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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 529 345 5 



HoIIinger Corp. 
PH8.5 



Special Notice:— All Rights Reserved 
Copyright by the Authors, 1905 



"THE TALISMAN" 



An Historical and Dramatic Play 

In Six Acts 



Dramatized from Sir Walter Scott's 
Famous Novel 

THE TALISMAN" 



By 

A. S. Carpenter and Marie M. Price 

M 

Chicago , Illinois 



LIBRARY of COKGRESS 

Two Copies Received 

SEP 211906 



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Copyrighted, 1906 

by 

A. S. CARPENTER and MARIE M. PRICE 

Entered at Stationers' Hall 

London, England 

All Rights Reserved 



Published October 15, 1906 



"THE TALISMAN" 



SYNOPSIS 

Time: The Twelfth Century. 

Place: On the shores of the Dead Sea. 

HISTORY 

During the Middle Ages, and especially throughout the 
period between A. D. 1000 and A. D. 1300, there was inter- 
mittant warfare and hostilities between the Christians and 
infidels. The Caliph Hakim, the son of a Christian woman, 
was described as a second Nero, who massacred Christians 
without mercy. These representations fanned the religious 
feeling of Christian Europe into a flame, and an ardor was 
developed among the Christians to deliver the Sepulchre of 
Christ from the possession of the infidels. The joys of 
Paradise were promised all who should fall in the Holy 
Cause. Thus the strongest religious sentiments were aroused; 
chivalrous devotion to women, hope of reward, of adventure, 
wealth, honor and heaven stirred the spirits of the Christian 
nations of Europe. 

The first Crusade was in 1096, when numerous armies 
were sent forth. These armies met with defeat and failure. 
A second Crusade was made in 1144, A. D., which likewise 
failed of accomplishing its purpose. 

In 1187, the Crusade with which "The Talisman" has to 
deal was projected. During that year the monarchs of the 
three principal countries of Europe, Frederick of Germany, 
Philip of France and Richard I. (Coeur de Lion) of England 
determined to lead their armies in person against the infidels. 
They were joined by some of the smaller principalities of 
Europe, the Archduke of Austria and William of Scotland 
each furnishing his quota. 



4 THE TALISMAN History 

During this Crusade, the camp was filled with dissentions 
among the leaders of the allied armies. King Richard and 
Philip of France had never been on very friendly terms, 
each being jealous of attentions paid to the other. Frederick 
of Germany sickened and died. Philip of France, tiring of the 
internal strife, turned his face homeward, leaving Richard 
of England the recognized leader of the Crusaders. 

While the personal valour of Richard of England was 
marked, his success as a leader of men was not so great, 
and after suffering several severe reverses, the Crusade 
ended in a truce with the Soldan for three years and three 
months, wherein the Christians were to be permitted to visit 
the Holy Sepulchre without molestation. 

Scene I represents the Holy Sepulchre in the time of the 
Crusade. Scene II represents the gathering of the Christians 
Hosts shortly after beginning of the Crusade, before the 
walls of Acre. 

CAST OF CHARACTERS 

King Richard — Sky-coloured velvet tunic covered with 
plates of silver; crimson silk hose, slashed with cloth 
of gold; battle ax, sword, shield, etc. 

Sir Kenneth — Coat of mail and visor; legs and thighs in 
flexible mail, feet in plated shoes. Long straight sword 
with handle like cross, lance, mace and battle-ax. Sur- 
coat of embroidered cloth, frayed and worn, with coat 
of arms a couchant leopard, with motto "I sleep — wake 
me not." Horse with breast-plate and iron hood with 
sharp pike projecting from nose like horn of unicorn. 

Nubian Slave — Features almost jet black. White turban; 
black hair. Short white mantle over shoulders, open 
in front and at sleeves. Underneath a doublet of leop- 
ard skin reaching about to knees. Arms and legs bare; 
sandals on feet; collar and bracelet of silver. Javelin. 
Dog with chain. 

Sheerkohf — Medium sized; black beard, trimmed; skin 
shield, ornamented with silver loops; long spear; bow 
and arrows. 

El Hakim — Turkish costume. Tartar cap of Astrachan wool; 
Turkish robe; long black beard; hair trimmed short. 



Characters THE TALISMAN 5 

The Sold an — Medium sized; black beard, well trimmed, 

richly dressed in Turkish costume, with sword and 

dagger. White turban, vest, wide trousers and scarlet sash. 
De Vaux — Doublet reaching to knees; shoes of sandalwood; 

leggings to above bottom of doublet; buff coat with red 

cross cut in upper arm near shoulder; hair cut short. 
De Vaux — (In king's tent) Same as above, only with 

Monk's cowl and mantle added. 
Theodoric — Tall, muscular, ferocious-looking figure, long 

hair, long beard, shaggy eye-brows, bare legs and arms, 

doublet of goat-skin, and bare headed. Is armed with 

an iron-bound flail. 
Grand Master — Bare-headed. White flowing robes; staff. 

Forbidding in appearance generally. 
Marq. Montserrat — Costumed as a French soldier of the 

16th century, with battle-ax, sword, shield and mace. 
Wallenrode — As Austrian soldier of the 16th century, etc. 
Nectabanus — Ill-shapen dwarf with hideous visage, armed 

with small bow and arrows and shield. 
Hangman — Red shirt, big cap, high boots, girdle, dagger, 

and huge sword. 
Dervish — Turkish costume; Jewish features; old man of 

fifty or thereabouts; thin and wiry; armed with dagger. 
Soldiers — In national costumes of the 16th century; Austri- 

ans, Italians, English, Scotch and French. 

Queen Berengari ~) „ £ ™ ,. , ^ 

t t^ ( Court costumes ot English Court 

Lady Edith > lfll> , . . & 

T Tur i l^th century. 

Ladies in Waiting ) J 

Carmelite Nuns — Six in number, with black scapularies 
and black veils over white garments; with large rosaries. 

Novices — Six, dressed in white, with white veils, bearing 
chaplets of white and red roses. 

Choir Boys (at chapel) — Eight in number, dressed in white 
robes, and wearing black scull caps. 

Attendants — 

SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS 

Act I. — The Holy Sepulchre. The gathering of the Hosts. 
In the desert. The combat. The meeting with Theo- 
doric. Theodoric's cave. The chapel of Engaddi. 



6 THE TALISMAN Events 

Act II. — King Richard's tent. The envoy. The Physician. 

Act III.— The plot. The Mount of St. George. Sir Ken- 
neth saves King Richard's life. On guard. 

Act IV. — The Queen's tent. The theft of the banner. King 
Richard threatens Sir Kenneth. Orders his execution. 
Intercedes with King Richard. 

Act V. — The accusation. The Nubian slave. The Dervish. 
The denouncement. Queen Berengari's tent. 

Act VI. — Meeting with the Soldan. The dual. Death of 
Conrade. Introduction of Prince of Scotland to Lady 
Edith. 



FINALE 



"THE TALISMAN" 



Scene I. — The Holy Sepulchre. 

NE II. ( 

of Acre. 



Scene II. — Gathering of the Christian hosts before the walls 



ACT I. 

Scene I. 

The stage represents a scene in the desert near the borders 
of the Dead Sea. Palm grove in distance, and spring sur- 
rounded, by palm trees. 

A solitary horseman dressed in armor is wending his way 
toward fountain in desert, when an Arab horseman suddenly 
charges down upon him and challenges him to battle. 

(The Arab charges close to Sir Kenneth, then suddenly 
halts and turns horse to left and rides twice around Kenneth. 
Kenneth siezes his mace and hurls it at head of Arab, who 
interposes his buckler, but is borne to ground by force of blow. 
Before Kenneth can reach Arab, Arab mounts his horse and 
is away again. Arab then plants his spear in the sand and 
shoots arrows at Kenneth, who reels and falls from saddle. 
Arab dismounts and approaches prostrate form of Kenneth, 
who reaches up and grasps Arab by the belt. Arab disengages 
his belt and slips away losing belt, sword and turban in the 
encounter.) 

Sheerkohf. There is a truce betwixt our nations; [ad- 
vancing toward Sir Kenneth] wherefore should there be war 
betwixt thee and me? Let there be peace betwixt us. 

Sir Kenneth. [Bowing] I am well contented, but what 
security dost thou offer that thou wilt observe the truce? 

Sheerkohf. The word of a follower of the Prophet was 
never broken. It is thou, brave Nazarene, from whom I 
should demand security, did I not know that treason seldom 
dwells with courage. 



8 THE TALISMAN Act I 

Sir Kenneth. By the cross of my sword [Holding up 
sword, handle uppermost], I will be true companion to thee, 
Saracen, while our fortune wills that we remain in company 
together. 

Sheerkohf. By Mohammed, Prophet of God, and by 
Allah, [prostrating himself in obeisance at name of Allah] God 
of the Prophet, there is not treachery in my heart towards 
thee. And now wend we to yonder fountain, for the hour 
of rest is at hand, and the stream had hardly touched my lip 
when I was called to battle by thy approach. [Mounting 
horses and riding forward] Exeunt from stage. 

At fountain. Prepares evening meal consisting of dried 
meat for Sir Kenneth; a handful of dates and some 
barley bread for the Arab. [Sitting eating.] 

Sheerkohf. Valient Nazarene, [pointing to dried hog- 
meat being eaten by Sir Kenneth] is it fitting that one who can 
fight like a man should feed like a dog or a wolf? Even a 
misbelieving Jew would shudder at the food which you seem 
to eat with as much relish as if it were fruit from the trees 
of Paradise? 

Sir Kenneth. Valient Saracen, know thou that I exer- 
cise my Christian freedom in using that which is forbidden 
to the Jews, being, as they esteem themselves, under the 
bondage of the old laws of Moses. We, Saracen, be it known 
to thee, have a better warrant for what we do. [Drinking 
from, leather bottle.] 

Sheerkohf. Thy words, [grasping his dagger in anger] 
O Nazarene, might create anger, did not thy ignorance raise 
compassion. Seest thou not, O thou more bhnd than any 
one who asks alms at the door of the mosque, that the liberty 
thou dost boast of is restraint even in that which is dearest 
to man's happiness and to his household; and that thy law, 
if thou didst practice it, binds thee in marriage to a single 
mate, bring she comfort and joy, or clamour and strife to 
thy table and to thy bed? This, Nazarene, I do indeed call 
slavery. 

Sir Kenneth. [With a scornful laugh] "Now, by his 
name that I most reverence in Heaven, and by hers whom I 
most worship on earth, thou art but a blinded and a bewild- 
ered infidel. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 9 

Sheerkohf. Now, by the Holy Caaba, thou art a mad- 
man who hugs his chain of iron as if it were gold! Look 
more closely. [Showing Sir Kenneth ring] This ring of 
mine would lose half its beauty were not the signet encircled 
and enchased with these lesser brilliants, which grace it and 
set it off. The central diamond is man, firm and entire; 
this circle of lesser jewels are women, borrowing his lustre. 
It is the favour of man which giveth beauty and comeliness 
to woman, as the stream glitters no longer when the sun 
ceaseth to shine. 

Sir Kenneth. Thou speakest like one who never saw 
a woman worthy the affection of a soldier. The beauty of 
our fair ones gives points to our spears and edges to our 
swords. 

Sheerkohf. I have heard of this frenzy among the 
warriors of the West, and have ever accounted it one of the 
accompanying symptoms of that insanity which brings you 
hither to obtain possession of an empty sepulchre. So 
highly have the Franks whom I have met with extolled the 
beauty of their women, I could be well contented to behold 
with mine eyes those charms which can transform such brave 
warriors into the tools of their pleasure. 

Sir Kenneth. Brave Saracen, if I were not on a pilgrim- 
age to the Holy Sepulchre, it should be my pride to conduct 
you, on assurance of safety, to the camp of Richard of Eng- 
land, than whom none better knows how to do honour to 
a noble foe; and though I be poor and unattended, yet have 
I interest to secure for thee, or any such as thou seemest, 
not safety only, but respect and esteem. There shouldst 
thou see several of the fairest beauties of France and England 
form a small circle, the brilliancy of which exceeds ten-thou- 
sandfold the lustre of mines of diamonds such as thine. 

Sheerkohf. Now, by the corner-stone of the Caaba, I 
will accept thy invitation as freely as it is given, if thou wilt 
postpone thy present intent; and, credit me, brave Nazarene, 
it were better for thyself to turn back thy horse's head to- 
wards the camp of thy people, for to travel towards Jerusa- 
lem without a passport is but a wilful casting away of thy life. 

Sir Kenneth. I have a pass, under Saladin's hand and 
signet. [Producing "parchment and showing same.] 



10 THE TALISMAN Act I 

Arab bows to dust, hisses paper, presses it against his 
forehead and returns same to Sir Kenneth. 

Sheerkohf. Rash Frank thou hast sinned against thine 
own blood and mine, for not showing this to me when we met. 

Sir Kenneth. But you came at me with levelled spear; 
had a troop of Saracens so assailed me, it might have stood 
with my honour to have shown the Soldan's pass, but never 
to one man. 

Sheerkohf. And yet one man was enough to interrupt 
your journey. 

Sir Kenneth. True, brave Moslem; but there are few 
such as thou art. 

Sheerkohf. Thou dost us but justice; from us thou 
should have had no wrong, but well was it for me that I 
failed to slay thee. But I swear to thee by the turban of 
the Prophet, shouldst thou miscarry in any haunt of such 
villains, I will myself undertake thy revenge with five thousand 
horse. I will sow with salt the foundations of their village, 
and there shall never live thing dwell there, even from that 
time forward. 

Sir Kenneth. I had rather the trouble which you design 
for yourself were in revenge of some other more important 
person than of me, noble Emir, but my vow is recorded in 
Heaven, for good or for evil, and I must be indebted to you 
for pointing me out the way to my resting place for this 
evening. 

Sheerkohf. That must be under the black covering of 
my Father's tent. [Pointing to the shy.] 

Sir Kenneth. This night must I pass in prayer and 
penance with a holy man, Theodoric of Engaddi, who dwells 
amongst these wilds and spends his life in the service of God. 

Sheerkohf. Then I will at least see you safely thither. 

Sir Kenneth. That would be pleasant convoy for me, 
yet might endanger the future security of the good father; 
for the cruel hand of your people has been red with the blood 
of the servants of the Lord. Therefore do we come hither 
in plate and mail, with sword and lance to open the road 
to the Holy Sepulchre. 

Sheerkohf. I will myself guide thee to the cavern of 
the hermit, which, methinks, without my help thou wouldst 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 11 

find it a hard matter to reach. And on the way, let us leave 
to Mollahs and to Monks to dispute about the divinity of 
our faith, and speak on themes which belong to youthful 
warriors; upon battles, upon beautiful women, upon sharp 
swords and bright armour. 

Sir Kenneth. I would I knew the name of this delicious 
fountain, that I might hold it in my grateful remembrance. 
[Pointing to spring] 

Sheerkohf. It is called in the Arabic language by a name 
which signifies the "Diamond of the Desert." 

Sir Kenneth. And well it is so named. 

Sheerkohf. You say truth, for the curse is still on yonder 
sea of death, and neither man nor beast drink of its waves, 
nor of the river which feeds without filling it, until this in- 
hospitable desert be passed. You have asked the name of a 
mute fountain; but let me be pardoned for asking the name 
of the companion whom I have this day encountered here 
among the deserts of Palestine? 

Sir Kenneth. It is not yet worth publishing. Know, 
however, that among the soldiers of the cross I am called 
Kenneth — Kenneth of the Couching Leopard. At home I 
have other titles, but they would sound harsh in an eastern 
ear. Brave Saracen, let me ask which of the tribes of Arabia 
claims your descent, and by what name you are known? 

Sheerkohf. Sir Kenneth, I joy that your name is such 
as my lips can easily utter. For me, I am no Arab, yet 
derive my descent from a line neither less wild nor less 
warlike. Know, Sir Knight of the Leopard, that I am 
Sheerkohf, the Lion of the Mountain, and that Kurdistan, 
from which I derive my descent, holds no family more noble. 

Sir Kenneth. I have heard that your great Soldan 
claims his blood from the same source. 

Sheerkohf. Thanks to the Prophet that hath so far 
honored our mountains as to send from their bosom him 
whose word is victory, but I am as a worm before the King 
of Egypt and Syria, and yet in mine own land something 
my name may avail. Stranger, with how many men didst 
thou come on this warfare? 

Sir Kenneth. By my faith, with aid of friends and 
kinsmen I was hardly pinched to furnish forth ten well 



12 THE TALISMAN Act I 

appointed lances with maybe some fifty more men, archers 
and varlets included. 

Sheerkohf. Christian, [holding up quiver of arrows] 
here I have five arrows in my quiver, each feathered from 
the wing of an eagle. When I send one of them to my tents 
a thousand warriors mount on horseback; when I send 
another an equal force will arise ; for the five I can command 
five thousand men; and if I send my bow ten thousand 
mounted riders will shake the desert. And with thy fifty 
followers thou hast come to invade a land in which I am 
one of the meanest. 

Sir Kenneth. Now, by the rood, Saracen, thou shouldst 
know, ere thou vauntest thyself, that one steel glove can 
crush a whole handful of hornets. 

Sheerkohf. Ay, but it must first enclose them within 
its grasp. And is bravery so much esteemed amongst the 
Christian princes that thou, thus void of means and men, 
cans't offer, as thou didst of late, to be my protector and 
security in the camp of thy brethren? 

Sir Kenneth. If thou wouldst hear of love and broken 
lances, venture thyself as thou sayest to the camp of the 
Crusaders, and thou wilt find exercise for thine ears and if 
thou wilt for thy hands, too. 

Sheerkohf. Hardly, I fear, shall I find one with a crossed 
shoulder who will exchange with me the cast of the jerrid. 

Sir Kenneth. I will not promise for that, though there 
be in the camp certain Spaniards who have right good skill 
in your eastern game of hurling the javelin. 

Sheerkohf. Dogs, and sons of dogs! With them I 
would mix in no warlike pastime. 

Sir Kenneth. Let not the Knights of Leon or Asturias 
hear you speak this of them; but if, instead of a reed, you 
were inclined to stand the cast of a battle-ax, there are enough 
western warriors who will gratify your longing. [Presenting 
battle-ax.] 

Sheerkohf. By the beard of my Father, sir, the game 
is too rough for mere sport; I will never shun them in battle, 
but my head [pressing hand to brow] will not for awhile per- 
mit me to seek them in sport. 






Scene II THE TALISMAN 13 

Sir Kenneth. I would that you saw the ax of King 
Richard, to which that which hangs at my saddle-bow 
weighs but as a feather. But come, let us forward. 
Mounting and riding forward in the fading light. 

Scene II. 

[Twilight. Sir Kenneth and Sheerkohf riding along 
through desert. Theodoric dogs their footsteps. Sheerkohf 
singing. Theodoric suddenly rushes upon them, grasps 
Sheerkohf s horse by the bridle, brandishing a flail of wood, 
bound with iron: catches Sheerkohf around the waist and 
drags him to the ground where they struggle, Theodoric on 
top: Sir Kenneth on horse looking on.] 

Sheerkohf. [Struggling on ground with Theodoric] 
Hakamo, — Fool, — unloose me — this passes thy privilege, — 
unloose me or I will use my dagger. 

Theodoric. [Still struggling] Thy dagger, infidel dog! 
HoJd it in thy grip if thou canst. [Wrenching it from him.] 

Sheerkohf. [To Sir Kenneth] Help! Nazarene! Help, or 
the Hakamo will slay me. 

Theodoric. Slay thee! And well hast thou merited 
death for singing thy blasphemous hymns to the praise of 
thy false Prophet. 

Sir Kenneth. Whosoe'er thou art, whether of good or 
evil, know that I am sworn for the time to be true com- 
panion to the Saracen whom thou holdest under thee; there- 
fore I pray thee to let him arise, else I will do battle with 
thee in his behalf. 

Theodoric. And a proper quarrel it were for the sake 
of an unbaptized dog to combat one of his own holy faith. 
Art thou come forth to the wilderness to fight for the Crescent 
against the cross? A goodly soldier thou art to listen to 
those who sing the praises of Satan! 

Arising and permitting Sheerkohf to arise, and returning 
to Sheerkohf his dagger.] 

Theodoric. Thou seest to what a point of peril thy 
presumption hath brought thee, and by what weak means 
thy practised skill and boasted agility can be foiled. Where- 
fore, beware, O Ilderim, for know that were there not a 
twinkle in the star of thy nativity which promises something 



14 THE TALISMAN Act I 

good for thee, we had not parted until I had torn asunder 
the throat which so lately trilled forth blasphemies. 

Sheerkohf. Hakamo, I pray thee, good Hakamo, to 
beware how thou dost again urge thy privilege over far; for 
though, as a good Moslem, I respect those whom Heaven 
hath deprived of ordinary reason in order to endow them 
with the spirit of prophesy, yet I like not other men's hands 
on the bridle of my horse, neither upon my own person. 
Speak, therefore, what thou wilt, but gather so much sense 
as to apprehend that if thou shalt again proffer me any vio- 
lence I will strike thy shagged head from thy meagre should- 
ers. And to thee, friend Kenneth [mounting steed] I must 
say that in a companion I love friendly deeds better than 
fair words. Of the last thou hast given me enough; it had 
been better to have aided me more speedily in my struggle 
with Hakamo, who had well nigh taken my life in his frenzy. 

Sir Kenneth. [Smiling] By my faith, I did somewhat 
fail, but it was as if thy wild and wicked lay had raised the 
Devil among us, and such was my confusion that it was too 
or three minutes ere I could take to my weapon. 
a Sheerkohf. [Very much disheviled]. Thou art but 
a cold and considerate friend, and had the Hakamo 
been one grain more frantic, thy companion had been slain 
by thy side [pointing to the ground] to thy eternal dishonour, 
without thy stirring a finger in his aid, although thou satest 
by, mounted and in arms. 

Sir Kenneth. By my word, Saracen, if thou wilt have 
it in plain terms, I thought that strange figure was the Devil; 
and being of thy lineage I knew not what family secrets you 
might be communicating to each other, as you lay lovingly 
rolling together on the sand. 

Sheerkohf. Thy gibe is no answer, Brother Kenneth, 
for had my assailant been the Prince of Darkness, thou wert 
bound not the less to enter into combat with him. Know 
also, that whatever there may be foul or fiendish about the 
Hakamo belongs more to your lineage than to mine, this 
Hakamo being, in truth, the anchorite whom thou art come 
hither to visit. 

Sir Kenneth. This? This? Thou mockest, Saracen: 
this cannot be the venerable Theodoric. 






Scene III THE TALISMAN 15 

Sheerkohf. Ask him thyself, if thou wilt not believe me. 

Theodoric. I am Theodoric of Engaddi; I am the 
walker of the desert, the friend of the Cross and flail of all 
heretics and devil- worshippers. Avoid ye, — avoid ye! — 
Down with Mahound, Termagaunt and all their adherents. 
[Brandishing flail and dancing] 

Sheerkohf. Thou seest thy saint? 

Sir Kenneth. This is a madman. 

Sheerkohf. Not the worse saint. Know, Christian, 
that when one eye becomes extinguished the other becomes 
more keen; when one hand is cut off, the other becomes 
more poweful; so when our reason — 

Theodoric. [Interrupting Sheerkohf, and singing at top 
of voice] I am Theodoric of Engaddi; I am the torch-brand 
of the desert; I am the flail of the infidel. The lion and the 
leopard shall be my comrades and draw nigh to my cell for 
shelter, neither shall the goat be afraid of their fangs. 
[Ending his chant with a shoH run and three bounds]. 

Sheerkohf. You see that he expects us to follow him 
to his cell, which is our only place of refuge for the night. 
You are the Leopard; I am the Lion; by the goat, he means 
himself. We must keep him in sight for he is as fleet as a 
dromedary. 

[Exeunt Sir Kenneth and Sheerkohf, after Theodoric] 

Scene III. 

[Enter Theodoric]. Sir Kenneth and Sheerkohf folloiving* 
Theodoric s cave. Dismounting and horses are led aivay 
Interior of cave. One table and two chairs. Lighted with 
two wax tapers which Theodoric lights. Cave hung with 
dried herbs and flowers. Sandy floor. Sir Kenneth and 
Sheerkohf eat slight repast, after which, Sheerkohf turns his 
face toward Caaba and prays. Sir Kenneth plants his svjord 
in the sand, point down ivith the handle for a cross, kneels 
before and prays. Then lie dotvn to sleep. 

Sir Kenneth awakened by Theodoric standing over him 
with lighted silver lamp.] 

Theodoric. Be silent; I have that to say to thee which 
yonder infidel must not hear. Arise, put on thy mantle; 
speak not, but tread lightly and follow me. 



16 THE TALISMAN Act I 

Sir Kenneth arises, puts on his mantle, and picks up his 
sword. 

Theodoric. [Motioning Sir Kenneth to put down sword.] 
It needs not; we are going where spiritual arms avail much, 
and fleshly weapons are but as the reed and the decayed 
gourd. [Moving forward and leading Sir Kenneth.] 

Theodoric. Look into yonder recess, my son, there thou 
wilt find a veil; bring it hither. [Sir Kenneth brings cloth.] 
Theodoric. Thou bringest me a greeting from Richard 
of England? 

Sir Kenneth. I come from the council of Christian 
Princes ; but the King of England being indisposed, I am not 
honoured with his Majesty's commands. 
Theodoric. Your token? 

Sir Kenneth. My pass word is this: "Kings begged 
of a beggar." 

Theodoric . It is right ; I know thee well . Take the veil which 
I hold and bind mine eyes, for I may not look on the treasure 
thou art presently to behold, without sin and presumption. 
Handing veil to Sir Kenneth, who takes the same and 
binds it over the eyes of Theodoric. [Curtain rises.] 
Theodoric. Leading Sir Kenneth to door of chapel] 
Knock thou on this door three times, and thou wilt be admitted. 
[Theodoric prostrates himself upon the floor beside the 
door of chapel in the form of a cross. Sir Kenneth 
knocks upon the door three times; door opens and Sir 
Kenneth enters. As door is opened by Sir Kenneth, 
sounds of "Gloria P atria" is heard sung by alter boys 
in rear. At back is alter hidden by curtains. Sir 
Kenneth kneels at center of chapel. Curtains drawn 
aside for a moment disclose cross on tvhich is emblaz- 
oned the words "Vera Crux." Enter eight alter boys, 
hvo by two, singing "Gloria P atria." First four bear- 
ing censers swinging same from side to side; second 
four carrying and scattering flowers. 
Enter six Carmelite nuns; also six novices, who surround 
the chapel three times. On second and third time, a 
novice drops rose bud at feet of Sir Kenneth. 
Exeunt. Altar boys face in two lines; nuns same; novices 
pass between; nuns follow, then altar boys, still singing.] 
curtain. / 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 17 

ACT II. 

Scene I. 

Sick chamber of King Richard in his tent. King lying on 
couch: De Vaux in attendance. Camp of allied armies in 
rear. Soldiers. 

King Richard. So thou hast no better news to bring 
me from without, Sir Thomas? All our knights turned 
women and our ladies turned devotees and neither a spark 
of gallantry nor of valour to enlighten a camp which contains 
the choicest of Europe's chivalry — ha! 

De Vaux. The truce, my Lord, the truce prevents us 
bearing ourselves as men of action, and for the ladies I am 
no great reveller, as is well known to thy Majesty, and seldom 
exchange steel and buff for velvet and gold; but thus far I 
know, that our choicest beauties are waiting upon the Queen's 
Majesty and the Princess to a pilgrimage to the convent of 
Engaddi, to accomplish their vows for your Highness's de- 
liverance from this trouble. 

King Richard. And is it thus that royal matrons and 
maidens should risk themselves where the dogs who defile 
the land have as little truth toward man as they have faith 
toward God? 

De Vaux. Nay, my Lord, they have the Saladin's word 
for their safety. 

King Richard. True, true! I did the heathen Soldan 
injustice; I owe him reparation for it. Would God I were 
but fit to offer it him upon my body between the two hosts, 
Christendom and Heatheness both looking on. [Tossing 
and flinging arms.] 

De Vaux. [Rising in attendance upon the King.] There, 
my Lord. 

King Richard. Thou art a rough nurse though a willing 
one, De Vaux; methinks a coif would become thy lowering 
features as well as a child's biggin would beseem mine. We 
should be a babe and nurse to frighten girls with. 

De Vaux. We have frightened men in our time, my liege, 
and, I trust may Jive to frighten them again. What is a 
fever-fit that we should not endure it patiently in order to 
get rid of it easily? 



18 THE TALISMAN Act II 

King Richard. Fever-fit! Thou mayest think, and just- 
ly too, that it is a fever-fit with me, but what is it with all the 
other Christian Princes? What is it with all of them? I tell 
thee it is a cold palsy, a dead lethargy; a disease that deprives 
them of speech and action; that has made them false to the 
noblest vow ever knights swore to; has made them indif- 
ferent to their fame and forgetful of their God. 

De Vatjx. For the love of Heaven, my liege; take it less 
violently. You will be heard out doors where such speeches 
are but too current already among the common soldiery, 
and engender discord and contention in the Christian host. 
Bethink you that a mangonel will work without screw and 
lever better than the Christian host without King Richard? 

King Richard. Thou flatterest me, De Vaux. This is 
smoothly said to soothe a sick man. But does a league of 
monarchs, an assemblage of nobles, a convocation of all the 
chivalry of Europe, droop with the sickness of one man, 
though he chances to be King of England? Why should 
Richard's illness or Richard's death check the march of 
thirty thousand men as brave as himself? Why do not the 
powers assemble and choose some one to whom they may 
entrust guidance of the host? 

De Vaux. Forsooth, and if it please your Majesty, I 
hear consultations have been held among the royal leaders 
for some such purpose. 

King Richard. Ha ! Am I forgot by my allies ere I have 
taken the last sacrament: do they hold me dead, already? 
But no, they are right. And whom do they select as leader 
of the Christian host? 

De Vaux. Rank and dignity point to the King of France. 

King Richard. Oh, ay, Philip of France and Navarre — 
Denis Mountjoie — his Most Christian Majesty — mouth-filling 
words these. There is but one risk, he might mistake the 
words En arriere for En avant, and lead us back to Paris 
instead of marching to Jerusalem. 

De Vaux. They might choose the Archduke of Austria. 

King Richard. What, because he is big and burly like 
thyself, Thomas, nearly as thick-headed, but without thy 
indifference to danger and carelessness of offence. I tell 
thee that Austria has in all that mass of flesh no bolder ani- 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 19 

mation than is afforded by the peevishness of a wasp and 
the courage of a wren. Out upon him! He a leader of 
chivalry to deeds of glory? 

De Vaux. Then there is the Grand Master of the Temp- 
lars, undaunted, skilful, brave in battle, and sage in council; 
what thinks your Majesty of the Master as a general leader 
of the Christian host? 

King Richard. Ha, Beau-Seant! Oh, no exception can 
be taken to Brother Sir Giles Amaury; he understands the 
ordering of a battle, and the fighting in front when it begins. 
But, Sir Thomas, were it fair to take the Holy Land from the 
heathen Saladin, so full of all the virtues which may dis- 
tinguish unchristened man, and give it to Giles Amaury, a 
worse pagan than himself, an idolater, a devil-worshipper 
who practices crimes the most dark and unnatural in the 
vaults and secret places of abomination and darkness? 

De Vaux. The Grand Master of the Hospitallers of 
St. John of Jerusalem is not tainted by fame either with 
heresy or magic. 

King Richard. But is he not a sordid miser? Has he 
not been suspected, aye, more than suspected of selling to 
the infidels those advantages which they would never have 
won by fair force? 

De Vaux. Well then, I will venture but another guess. 
What say you to the gallant Marquis of Montserrat, so wise, 
so elegant, such a good man-at-arms? 

King Richard. Wise! Cunning you would say? Ele- 
gant in a lady's chamber, if you will . Oh, Conrade of Mont- 
serrat — who knows not the popinjay? Politic and versatile, 
he will change his purpose as often as the trimming of his 
doublet and you shall never be able to guess the hue of his 
inmost vestments from their outward colours. A man-at- 
arms! ay, a fine figure on horseback, and can bear him well 
in the tilt-yard and at the barriers, when swords are blunted 
at point and edge, and spears are tipped with trenchers of 
wood instead of steel pikes. Wert thou not with me when 
I said to that same gay Marquis, "Here we be, three good 
Christians, and on yonder plain there pricks a band of some 
three score Saracens, what say you to charge them briskly? 
There are but twenty unbelieving miscreants to each true 
knight." 



20 THE TALISMAN Act II 

De Vaux. I recollect the Marquis replied that his limbs 
were of flesh, not of iron, and that he would rather bear the 
heart of a man than of a beast, though that beast were the 
lion. But I see how it is, we shall end where we began 
without hope of praying at the Sepulchre until Heaven shall 
restore King Richard to health. 

King Richard. [Laughing heartily] Why, what a thing 
is conscience, that through its means even such a thick- 
witted northern lord as thou canst bring thy sovereign to 
confess his folly. But hark! [Sounds of trumpets in the 
distance.] What trumpets are those? 

De Vaux. Those of King Philip, as I guess, my liege. 

King Richard. Thou art dull of ear Thomas; hearest 
not thou that clash and clang? By Heaven, the Turks are 
in the camp. I hear their lelies. [Sounds of Turkish music 
in the distance.] Thou art a false traitor, De Vaux. I 
would I were strong enough to dash thy brains out with my 
battle-ax. [Sta7is up and grasps his battle-ax] 

De Vaux. I would you had the strength, my liege, and 
would even take the risk of its being so employed. The 
odds would be great in favour of Christendom, were Thomas 
Multon dead and Coeur-de-Lion himself again. 

King Richard. Mine honest, faithful servant, forgive thy 
master's impatience of mood. It is this burning fever which 
chides thee and not thy kind master, Richard of England. 
But go, I pray thee and bring me word what strangers are 
in the camp, for these sounds are not of Christendom. 

[Exeunt De Vaux.] [Curtain] 

Scene II. 

[Court-yard scene. Soldiers of England, and of the allied 
armies in national costume. Also a band of Saracens, in 
Arabic costumes wearing white turbans and bearing long 
pikes. Sir Kenneth in their midst. Kenneth advances to 
meet De Vaux] 

De Vaux. I know thee, but I will hold no communica- 
tion with thee. 

Sir Kenneth. My Lord De Vaux of Gilsland, I have in 
charge to speak with you. 



Scene II THE TALISMAN 21 

De Vaux. Ha, with me? But say your pleasure, so it 
be shortly spoken; I am on the King's errand. 

Sir Kenneth. Mine touches King Richard yet more 
nearly; I bring him, I trust, health. 

De Vaux. Thou are no leech I think, sir Scot; I had as 
soon thought of your bringing the King of England wealth. 

Sir Kenneth. Health to Richard is glory and wealth to 
Christendom. But my time presses; I pray you, may I 
see the King? 

De Vaux. Surely not, fair sir, until your errand be told 
more distinctly. The sick-chambers of princes open not 
to all who inquire, like a northern hostelry. 

Sir Kenneth. My Lord, the cross which I wear in com- 
mon with yourself, and the importance of what I have to 
tell, must for the present cause me to pass over a bearing 
which else I were unapt to endure. In plain language then, 
I bring with me a Moorish physician who undertakes to 
work a cure on King Richard. 

De Vaux. A Moorish physician! And who will warrant 
that he brings not poisons instead of remedies? 

Sir Kenneth. His own life, my lord, his head, which he 
offers as a guarantee. 

De Vaux. I have known many a resolute ruffian who 
valued his own life as little as it deserved, and would troop 
to the gallows as merrily as if the hangman were his partner 
in a dance. 

Sir Kenneth. But thus it is, my lord; Saladin hath sent 
this leech hither with an honorable retinue and guard befitting 
the high estimation in which El Hakim is held by the Soldan, 
and with fruits and refreshments for the King's private 
chamber, with a message praying him to be recovered of 
his fever, that he may be the fitter to receive a visit from the 
Soldan, with his naked scimitar in his hand, and an hundred 
thousand cavaliers at his back. Will it please you that some 
order be taken as to the reception of the learned physician? 

De Vaux. Wonderful! And who will vouch for the 
honour of the Saladin in a case where bad faith would rid 
him at once of his most powerful adversary? 

Sir Kenneth. I, myself, will be his guarantee, with life, 
honour and fortune. 



22 THE TALISMAN Act II 

De Vaux. Ha! sayest thou, but know, messenger of the 
kings and princes as thou mayst be, no leech shall approach 
the sick-bed of Richard of England without the consent of 
him of Gilsland; and they will come on evil errand who dare 
to intrude themselves against it. 

Sir Kenneth. Well then, let me swear to you, Thomas 
of Gilsland, that by the blessed cross which I wear, I desire 
but the safety of Richard, Coeur-de-Lion, in recommending 
the ministry of this Moslem physician. 

De Vaux. I must now bid you adieu, having presently 
to return to the King's pavilion. 

[Exeunt De Vaux.] [Curtain.] 

Scene III. 

[Sick chamber of King Richard.] [Enter De Vaux.] 

King Richard. What now, De Vaux? 

De Vaux. My Lord, I sawest in the camp an Arab 
cavalcade; I learned then through this Scottish man 
called the Knight of the Leopard, who had just returned 
from the desert, that he had brought with him a Moorish 
leech who would undertake thy healing, my Lord, to which 
unheard of thing I would not listen. But he agreed to vouch 
for this Arab with his own life; furthermore toldest me that 
his own squire, who had been stricken with this selfsame 
fever, hadst been treated by this leech but two hours before 
and was now in a peaceful sleep, the fever having left him. 

King Richard. This is a strange tale, Sir Thomas; but 
to this piece of learned heathenesse — sayest thou the Scot 
met him in the desert? 

De Vaux. No, my Lord, the Scot's tale runs thus: he 
was despatched to the old hermit of Engaddi, of whom men 
talk so much 

King Richard. Sdeath and Hell ! By whom despatched, 
and for what? Who dared send any one thither when our 
Queen was in the convent of Engaddi upon her pilgrimage 
for our recovery? 

De Vaux. The Council of the Crusade sent him, my Lord ; 
for what purpose he declined to account to me. 

King Richard. Well, it shall be looked into. So this 
Scottish man, this envoy met with a wandering physician 
at the grotto of Engaddi — ha? ' 



Scene III THE TALISMAN 23 

De Vaux. Not so, my liege, but he met I think near 
that place with a Saracen Emir with whom he had some 
melee in the way of proof of valor, and finding him worthy 
to bear brave men company, they went together to the grotto 
of Engaddi. 

King Richard. And there did they meet the physician? 

De Vaux. No, my Lord; but the Saracen learning of 
your Majesty's illness undertook that Saladin should send 
his own physician to you with many assurances of his good 
will and his eminent skill, and he came to the grotto accord- 
ingly after the Scottish knight had tarried a day for him or 
more. He is attended as if he were a prince, with drums 
and eatables and servants on horse and foot, and brings 
with him letters of credence from Saladin. 

King Richard. Have they been examined? 

De Vaux. I showed them to the interpreter ere bringing 
them hither, and behold their contents in English. 

[Handing scroll to King Richard]. 

King Richard. [Reads]. "The blessings of Allah and 
his Prophet, Mohammed' ' — (Out upon the hound) [Spitting 
contemptuously] "Saladin, King of Kings, Soldan of Egypt 
and of Syria, the light and refuge of the earth, to the great 
Melech Ric — Richard of England — greeting: 

"Whereas, we have been informed that the hand of sick- 
ness hath been heavy upon thee, our royal brother, and 
that thou hast with thee only such Nazarene and Jewish 
medicines as work without the blessings of Allah and our 
Holy Prophet. We have therefore sent to tend and wait 
upon thee at this time the physician to our own person, 
Abondec el Hakim, before whose face the Angel Azrael 
spreads his wings and departs from the sick chamber; who 
knows the virtues of herbs and stones, and can save man 
from all that is not written on his forehead. And this we 
do, praying you heartily to honour and make use of his skill, 
not only that we may do sendee to thy worth and valour, but 
that we may bring the controversy which is at present between 
us to an end either by honourable agreement, or by open 
trial thereof with our weapons on a fair field; seeing that it 
neither becomes thy place and courage to die the death of a 
slave who hath been overwrought by his taskmaster, nor 



U THE TALISMAN Act II 

befits it our fame that a brave adversary be snatched from 
our weapon by such a disease. And, therefore, may the holy — 

Hold ! Hold ! 1 will have no more of this dog of a prophet. 
I will see his physician. I will put myself into the charge of 
this Hakim. I will repay the noble Soldan his generosity. 
I will meet Saladin in the fields, and he shall have no cause 
to term Richard of England ungrateful. I will convert 
him to Holy Church with such blows as he has rarely endured. 
Haste, De Vaux; why dost thou delay a conclusion so pleas- 
ing? Fetch the Hakim hither. [Exeunt De Vaux.] 

[Claps hands for messenger.] [Enter messenger.] 

Send hither Sir Kenneth, Knight of the Leopard. 

[Exeunt Messenger.] [Enter Sir Kenneth.] 

King Richard. Thy name is Kenneth of the Leopard; 
from whom hadst thou degree of knighthood? 

Sir Kenneth. I took it from the sword of William the 
lion, King of Scotland. 

King Richard. A weapon well worthy to confer honour, 
nor has it been laid on an undeserving shoulder. But enough 
of this. I desire to know of you, Sir Knight, wherefore and 
by whose authority you took this recent journey to the wilder- 
ness of the Dead Sea and Engaddi? 

Sir Kenneth. By order of the Council of the Princes of 
the Holy Crusade. 

King Richard. And how dared any one give such an 
order when I, not the least, surely, in the league, was unac- 
quainted with it? 

Sir Kenneth. It was not my part, please your Highness, 
to inquire into such particulars. 

King Richard. Thou sayest well, and the blame rests 
not with thee, but with those with whom, when it shall please 
heaven to raise me from this accursed bed of pain, I hope to 
reckon roundly. What was the purport of thy message? 

Sir Kenneth. Methinks, and please your Highness, that 
were best asked of those who sent me, and who can render 
the reasons of mine errand; whereas I can only tell its out- 
ward form and purpose. 

King Richard. Palter not with me, sir Scot; it were ill 
for thy safety. 



Scene III THE TALISMAN 25 

Sir Kenneth. My safety, my Lord, I cast behind me 
as a regardless thing when I vowed myself to this enterprise, 
looking rather to my immortal welfare than to that which 
concerns my earthly body. 

King Richard. By the mass, thou art a brave fellow. 
Hark thee, Sir Knight, I love the Scottish people: they are 
hardy, though dogged and stubborn, and I think true men 
in the main. I deserve some love at their hand, for I have 
voluntarily done what they could not by arms have extorted 
from me, any more than from my predecessors; I have re- 
stored and re-established the fortresses that lay in pledge to 
England; I have restored your ancient boundaries, and 
finally I have renounced a claim of homage upon the crown 
of England which I thought unjustly forced upon you. 

Sir Kenneth. All this you have done, my Lord and 
King. 

King Richard. I grant it true; and for the good offices 
I have done your land I require you to remember that, as 
a principal member of the Christian league, I have a right 
to know the negotiations of my confederates. Do me, there- 
fore, the justice to tell me what I have a title to be acquainted 
with, and which I am certain to know more truly from you 
than from others. 

Sir Kenneth. My Lord, thus conjured, I will speak the 
truth. Be pleased, therefore, to know, my charge was to 
propose through the medium of the hermit of Engaddi, a 
holy man, respected and protected by Saladin, himself 

King Richard. A continuation of the truce, I doubt not? 

Sir Kenneth. No, by St. Andrew, my Lord, but the 
establishment of a lasting peace. 

King Richard. And how? 

Sir Kenneth. By the withdrawing of our armies from 
Palestine. 

King Richard. By St. George! Ill as I have justly 
thought of them, I could not have dreamed they would have 
humbled themselves to such dishonour. Speak, Sir Kenneth, 
with what will didst thou carry such a message? 

Sir Kenneth. With right good will, my liege, because 
when we had lost our noble leader, under whose guidance 
alone I hoped for victory, I saw none who could succeed 



26 THE TALISMAN Act II 

him likely to lead us to conquest, and I accounted it well 
under such circumstances to avoid defeat. 

King Richard. And on what conditions was this hopeful 
peace to be contracted? 

Sir Kenneth. These were not entrusted to me, my lord; 
I delivered them sealed to the hermit. 

King Richard. And for what do you hold this reverend 
hermit — for fool, madman, traitor or saint? 

Sir Kenneth. His folly, sire, I hold to be assumed to 
win favour and reverence as the inspired from Heaven. 

King Richard. Shrewdly replied; now of his penitence? 

Sir Kenneth. His penitence appears to me to be sin- 
cere, and the fruits of remorse for some dreadful crime.' ' 

King Richard. And for his policy? 

Sir Kenneth. Methinks, my Lord, he despairs of the 
security of Palestine, as of his own salvation by any means 
short of a miracle, at least since the arm of Richard of Eng- 
land hath ceased to strike for it. 

King Richard. And therefore the cowardly policy of 
this hermit is like that of these miserable princes who are 
only resolved and determined when the question is retreat, 
and, rather than go forward against an armed Saracen, 
would trample in flight over a dying ally. 

Sir Kenneth. Might I so far presume, my Lord King, 
this discourse but heats your disease, the enemy from which 
Christendom dreads more evil than from armed hosts of 
infidels? 

King Richard. You can flatter Sir Knight, but you 
escape me not. I must know more from you than you have 
yet told me. But, begone for the present. Speed to De Vaux 
and send him hither with the Arabian physician. My life 
for the faith of the Soldan. [Exeunt Sir Kenneth.] 

Enter Grand Master of the Templars, dressed in white 
robe with staff, and the Marquis of Montserrat. 

Marquis of Montserrat. We have come, Your Majesty 
by order of the Council of the Crusaders, to inquire into the 
health of their magnanimous ally, the valient King of Eng- 
land. 

King Richard. We know the importance in which the 
princes of the council hold our health, and are well aware 



Scene III THE TALISMAN 27 

how much they must have suffered by suppressing all curi- 
osity concerning it for fourteen days, for fear, doubtless of 
aggravating our disorder, by showing their anxiety re- 
garding the event. But you, Grand Master of the Holy 
and Valiant Order of Knights Templars, and you, Most 
Noble Marquis of Montserrat, if it please you to retire, you 
shall presently see what account we make of the tender re- 
monstrances of our royal and princely colleagues in this 
religious warfare. 

[Exeunt Grand Master and Marquis of Montserrat.} 

[Grand Master meeting physician on leaving tent of 

King Richard.] 

Grand Master. [To physician.] Infidel! Hast thou the 

courage to practise thine art upon the person of an anointed 

sovereign of the Christian host? 

El Hakim. [Bowing low.] The sun of Allah shines on 
the Nazarene as well as on the true believer, and His servant 
dare make no distinction betwixt them, when called upon to 
exercise the art of healing. I understand you, but I pray 
you interpose no delay between me and my office. 

[El Hakim and De Vaux enter King Richard's tent, 
followed by Sir Kenneth, the Grand Master and Mar- 
quis of Montserrat] 
De Vaux. [To Grand Master and Marquis of Montserrat] 
If you will hold your patience, you are welcome to enter 
with us, but if you interrupt, by action or threat, this ac- 
complished physician in his duty, be it known that without 
respect to your high quality I will enforce your absence from 
Richard's tent. Move on, El Hakim. 

King Richard. [As they enter] So ho! a goodly fellow- 
ship come to see Richard take his leap in the dark? My 
noble allies, I greet you as the representatives of our assembled 
league; Richard will again be amongst you in his former 
fashion, or ye shall bear to the grave what is left of him. 
There is yet another — but this fever hath wasted my eye- 
sight. What, the bold Scot, who would climb Heaven with- 
out a ladder? He is welcome too. But come, Sir Hakim; 
to the work, to the work. [El Hakim mixes potion for King.] 
But hold an instant. Thou hast felt my pulse; let me lay 
my finger on thine. I too, as becomes a good knight, know 



28 THE TALISMAN Act III 

something of thine art. [To the bystanders.] His blood 
beats as calm as an infant's. So throb not theirs who poison 
princes. De Vaux, whether we live or die, dismiss this 
Hakim with honour and safety. Commend us, friend, to 
the noble Saladin. Should I die, it is without doubt of his 
faith; should I live, it will be to thank him as a warrior would 
desire to be thanked. Mark what I say, and let my royal 
brethern pledge me in Cyprus wine. To the immortal 
honour of the first Crusader who shall strike lance or sword 
on the gate of Jerusalem; and to the shame and eternal 
infamy of whomsoever shall turn back from the plough on 
which he hath laid his hand. 

El Hakim. [To those in attendance.] Leave us alone. 
[Administers medicine to King Richard. Exeunt attend- 

ards l (curtain) 



ACT III. 
Scene I. 

The camp of the Allies in distance. King Richard's tent 
on the foreground, surrounded by sentries with reversed arms. 

Marquis of Montserrat and Grand Master of the Knights 
Templar conversing together. 

Grand Master. There is a change of cheer among these 
island dogs. What hoarse tumult and revel used to be be- 
fore this pavilion. 

Marquis. Mastiffs are a faithful race, and the King, 
their master, has won their love by being ready to wrestle, 
brawl or revel amongst the foremost of them. 

Grand Master. He is totally compounded of humours. 
Mark you the pledge he gave us, instead of a prayer, over his 
grace-cup yonder? 

Marquis. He would have felt it a grace-cup, and a 
well-spiced one, were Saladin like any other Turk that ever 
wore turban. But he affects faith, and honour and gener- 
osity, as if it were for an unbaptized dog like him to practice 
the virtuous bearing of a Christian knight. It is said he 
hath applied to Richard to be admitted within the pale of 
chivalry. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 29 

Grand Master. By St. Bernard, it were time to throw 
off our belts and spurs and renounce our burgonets if the 
highest honour of Christianity were conferred on an un- 
christened Turk. 

Marquis. You rate the Soldan cheap? Might it consist 
with your valour and sanctity, I would pray you for once 
to lay aside the dark vizor you wear and converse with a 
friend barefaced. 

Grand Master. There are light-coloured masks as well 
as dark vizors, and the one conceals the natural features as 
completely as the other. 

Marquis. [Making motion of tearing off mask.] Be it so; 
there lies my disguise. And now, what think you as touching 
the interests of your own order? 

Grand Master. This is tearing the veil from my thoughts, 
rather than exposing your own. 

Marquis. Left to ourselves, we might have bent to the 
storm, or, moderately supported with money and troops, we 
might have compelled Saladin to respect our valour and give 
us peace and protection on easy terms. 

Grand Master. You say well, My Lord Marquis, and 
your words find an echo in my bosom. Yet must we be 
cautious; Philip of France is wise as well as valiant. 

Marquis. True, and he will be therefore the more easily 
diverted from an expedition to which in a moment of enthu- 
siasm he rashly bound himself. Any fair pretense will 
serve him for withdrawing from a scene in which he is aware 
he is wasting the force of his kingdom. 

Grand Master. And the Duke of Austria? 

Marquis. Oh, the Duke, his self-conceit and folly lead 
him to the same conclusions as do Philip's policy and wisdom. 
He conceives himself ungratefully treated because men's 
mouths are filled with the praises of King Richard, whom 
he fears and hates. But wherefore tell I this to thee, save 
to show that I am in sincerity in desiring that this league 
be broken up and the country freed of these great monarchs 
with their hosts. 

Grand Master. Thou startest somewhat suddenly for 
so bold a steed. However, I swear to thee I will keep counsel 
with thee as a true comrade. 



30 THE TALISMAN Act III 

Marquis. I will swear truth to thee, by the earl's coronet 
which I hope to convert, ere these wars are over, into some- 
thing better. 

Grand Master. Enough; thou hast indeed convinced 
me of thy sincerity. Others may hold the same opinion, but 
few save Conrade of Montserrat dared frankly avow that he 
desires not the restitution of the kingdom of Jerusalem. 

Marquis. Thou wilt not betray my counsel? Know 
for certain that my tongue shall never wrong my head, nor 
my hand forsake the defence of either. 

Grand Master. But lift yet thy mask an inch higher and 
tell me thy real reason for pressing upon the council that 
northern Englishman or Scot, or whatever you call yon 
Knight of the Leopard, to carry their proposals for a treaty? 

Marquis. That he might not, upon his return, hold any 
communication with the sick-bed of Richard, to whom his 
presence was ever unacceptable. 

Grand Master. Oh, too fine-spun policy! See you not 
that the envoy whom you have selected so carefully hath 
brought us this physician in whom is the means of restoring 
the lion-hearted, bull-necked Englishman to prosecute his 
Crusading enterprise? And so soon as he is able once more 
to rush on, which of the princes dare hold him back? 

Marquis. Be content: ere this physician accomplish 
Richard's cure, it may be possible to put some rupture be- 
tween the Frenchman, at least the Austrian, and his allies 
of England ; and Richard may arise from his bed to command 
his own troops, but never again to wield the force of the 
whole crusade. 

Grand Master. Richard arise from his bed, sayst thou 
Conrade, he must never arise. 

Marquis. What! spoke you of Richard of England — of 
Coeur-de-Lion — the Champion of Christendom? 

Grand Master. Know'st thou what thou look'st like, 
Sir Conrade, at this moment? Not like the politic and 
valiant Marquis of Montserrat, but like a novice who has 
raised the Devil when he least thought of it. Let us hold 
that there has nothing passed between us; that we have 
spoken in our sleep. Having awakened, the vision is gone. 

Marquis. The vision can never depart. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 31 

Grand Master. Visions of ducal crowns and kingly 
diadems are indeed somewhat tenacious of their place in 
the imagination. 

Marquis. Well, let me first try to break the peace be- 
tween Austria and England. [Exeunt Grand Master.] 

[To himself.] I have, in truth, raised the Devil with a 

vengeance. [Exeunt Marquis.] 

[Enter Archduke of Austria with retinue. Marquis of Mont- 

serrai hastens to meet him.] [Conversing in low tones.] 

Marquis. [Aloud] Nay, it was not of the Venetian Lion 
that I spoke, but of the three lions of England; formerly 
they were leopards, but now they are become lions at all 
points and must take precedence, or woe to the gains tander. 

Archduke of Austria. Mean you seriously, my lord? 
Think you that Richard of England asserts any pre-eminence 
over the free sovereigns who have been his voluntary allies 
in this crusade? 

Marquis. I know not, but yonder hangs his banner 
alone in the midst of our camp as if it were King and general- 
issimo of our whole Christian army. 

Archduke of Austria. And do you endure this so 
patiently, and speak of it so coldly? 

Marquis. Nay, my lord, it cannot concern the poor 
Marquis of Montserrat. What dishonour you are pleased 
to submit to cannot be a disgrace to me. 

Archduke of Austria. I submit! I, the Archduke of 
Austria? I, submit myself to this king of half an island? 
This grandson of a Norman bastard? No, by Heaven! 
The camp and all Christendom shall see that I know how to 
right myself and whether I yield ground one inch to the 
English bandog. We will place the Eagle of Austria where 
she shall float as high as ever floated the cognizance of King 
or Kaiser. 

Marquis. Nay, my lord, it will blemish your wisdom 
to make an affray in the camp at this hour; perhaps it is 
better to submit to the ursupation of England a little longer — 

Archduke of Austria. Not an hour— not a minute longer. 
[Hastens to the Mount of St. George where he plants the 
Austrian banner beside the flag of England; soldiers and 
followers clamoring and shouting.] 



32 THE TALISMAN Act III 

King Richard. [In tent] Hark! what mean these shouts 
and that distant music in the camp? Go, Thomas De Vaux 
and make inquiry. [De Vaux steps to corner of tent and looks.] 

De Vaux. [To King Richard] It is the Archduke Leo- 
pold who makes with his pot-companions some procession 
through the camp. 

King Richard. The drunken fool; can he not keep his 
brutal inebriety within the veil of his pavilion that he must 
need show his shame to all Christendom? 

[Enter Marquis of Montserrat.] 

Marquis. Thus much, honoured prince, I delight to see 
your Majesty so well and so far recovered, and that is a long 
speech for any one to make who has partaken of the Duke 
of Austria's hospitality. 

King Richard. What! you have been dining with the 
Teutonic wineskin? And what frolic has he found out to 
cause all this disturbance? 

Marquis. What the A \rehduke does is of little conse- 
quence, yet to say truth, it is a gambol I should not care to 
share in, since he is pulling down the banner of England 
from St. George's mount in the center of the camp yonder, 
and is displaying his own. 

King Richard. What sayst thou? 

Marquis. Nay, let it not chafe your Highness that a 
fool should act according to his folly. 

King Richard. Speak not to me, Lord Marquis! De 
Multon, I command thee speak not a word to me; he that 
breathes but a syllable is no friend to Richard of England. 
Hakim, be silent, I charge thee! 

[King Richard springs from couch, dons his armour, 
grasps his shield, battle-ax and sword and rushes to 
the Mount St. George.] 

De Vaux. [To the Marquis] Fly to Lord Salisbury's 
quarters and let him get his men together and follow me 
instantly to St. George's Mount. Tell him the King's fever 
has left his blood and settled in his brain. 

[Exeunt De Vaux and Sir Kenneth hurrying after King 
Richard, to Mount of St. George.] 

King Richard. [On Mount of St. George] Who has 
dared to place this paltry rag beside the banner of England? 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 33 

Archduke of Austria. It was I, Leopold of Austria. 
King Richard. Then shall Leopold of Austria presently 
see the rate at which his banner and his pretensions are 
held by Richard of England. Thus [Tearing down banner 
and trampling it under foot] I trample on the banner of Austria ! 
Is there a knight among your Teutonic chivalry that dares 
to impeach my deed? 

Austrian Knights. I, and I, and I. 
Earl Wallenrode. Why do we dally thus? Brethren, 
this man's foot is on the honour of your country. Let us 
rescue it from violation, and down with the pride of England. 
[Rushes up the side of the mount and strikes at King 
Richard with his sword. Sir Kenneth intercepts the 
blow with his shield and stops Wallenrode.] 
King Richard. I have sworn never to strike one whose 
shoulder bears the cross; therefore, live, Wallenrode, but live 
to remember Richard of England. 

[Catches Earl Wallenrode about the waist and throws him 
headlong down the side of mount. (Clamour) Cries 
of "Cut the Island Mastiff to pieces."] 
(curtain) 

Scene: — Same as before. King Richard, Sir Kenneth and 
De Vaux at foot of Mount of St. George. Soldiers. 

King Richard. There is a sort of glow-worm courage 
that shows only by night: I must not leave this banner 
unguarded in the darkness. By day-light the look of the lions 
alone will defend it. Here, Thomas of Gilsland, I give thee 
charge of the standard; watch over the honour of England. 

De Vaux. Her safety is yet more dear to me, and the 
life of Richard is the safety of England. I must have your 
Highness back to your tent without further tarriance. 

King Richard. Thou art a rough and peremptory nurse, 
De Vaux. [To Sir Kenneth] Valiant Scot, I owe thee a boon, 
and I will pay it richly. There stands the banner of England ; 
watch it as a novice does his armour on the night before he 
is dubbed. Stir not from it three spear lengths, and defend 
it with thy body against injury or insult. Sound thy bugle 
if assailed by more than three at once. Dost thou undertake 
the charge? 



34 THE TALISMAN Act III 

Sir Kenneth. Willingly, and will discharge it upon 
penalty of my head. 

[Exeunt De Vaux and King Richard^ 
Light fades. Twilight. Sir Kenneth standing guard 
over flag of England on Mount of St. George, with 
hound by his side. 

Sir Kenneth. [Peering into the darkness.] Who goes 
there ! 

A Voice. In the name of Merlin, tie up your four-footed 
demon there, or I come not at you. 

Sir Kenneth. And who art thou that thou wouldst 
approach my post? Beware! I am here for life or death. 

A Voice. Take up thy long-fanged Sathanas, or I will 
conjure him with a bolt from my arblast. 

Sir Kenneth. Unbend thy arblast and come into the 
moonlight, or by St. Andrew I will pin thee to the earth, be 
what or whom thou wilt. [Raising his lance as if to throw 
same.] 

[Enter Nectabanus with small cross-bow in his hand.] 

Nectabanus. Soldier, wherefore renderest thou not to 
Nectabanus the homage due to his dignity? Or, is it 
possible thou canst have forgotten him? 

Sir Kenneth. Great Nectabanus, that were difficult for 
any one who has ever looked upon thee. Pardon me, how- 
ever; being a soldier upon my post I may not give thee the 
advantage of coming within my guard, or of mastering my 
weapon. I reverence thy dignity, and submit myself to 
thee as humbly as a man-at-arms in my place may. 

Nectabanus. It shall suffice so that you presently attend 
me to the presence of those who have sent me hither to sum- 
mon you. 

Sir Kenneth. Great sir, neither in this' can I gratify 
thee, for my orders are to abide by this banner till daybreak; 
so I pray you to hold me excused in that matter also. 

Nectabanus. Either obey me, Sir Knight, or I will lay 
the command upon thee in the name of one whose beauty 
could call down the genii from their sphere. But look you 
here, as thou knowest this token, so obey or refuse her com- 
mands who hath deigned to impose them on thee. [Showing 
ring to Sir Kenneth.] 






Scene I THE TALISMAN 35 

Sir Kenneth. In the name of all that is sacred, from 
whom didst thou receive this witness? Tell me the person 
by whom thou art sent, and take heed what thou sayest. 

Nectabanus. Foolish knight, we list not to parley with 
thee farther than to command thee in the name and by the 
power of that ring, to follow us to her who is the owner of 
that ring. Every minute that thou tarriest is a crime against 
thy allegiance. 

Sir Kenneth. Can my Lady know where and upon 
what duty I am this night engaged? Is she aware that my 
life, my honour depends upon my guarding this banner till 
daybreak, and can it be her wish that I shouldst leave it even 
to pay homage to her? It is impossible; the princess is 
pleased to be merry with her servant. 

Nectabanus. Oh, keep your belief; it is little to me 
whether you be traitor or true man to this royal lady; so fare 
thee well. 

Sir Kenneth. Stay, I entreat you, stay; answer but one 
question; is the lady who sent thee near to this place? 

Nectabanus. What signifies it? Ought fidelity to reckon 
furlongs or leagues? I tell thee, the fair owner of the ring 
is not more distant from this place than this arblast can send 
a bolt. 

Sir Kenneth. The words of truth, though in the mouth 
of folly. And doth my lady really summon me to some 
deed of action in her name and for her sake? And may it 
not be postponed till daybreak? 

Nectabanus. She requires thy presence instantly and 
without the loss of so much time as would be told by ten 
grains of sand. Hearken, thou suspicious knight; these 
are her very words: "Tell him that the hand which dropped 
roses, can bestow laurels." 

Sir Kenneth. Nectabanus, I conjure thee once more to 
say, are you to conduct me far from here? 

Nectabanus. But to yonder pavilion since you must 
needs know. 

Sir Kenneth. I can return in an instant; I can hear 
from thence the bay of my dog if any one approaches my 
standard; I will throw myself at my lady's feet and pray her 
leave to return to conclude my watch. Here Roswal [calling 



36 THE TALISMAN Act IV 

hound and throwing mantle down by spear standard], watch 
thou here, and let no one approach. Come now, good Necta- 
banus, let us hasten to obey the commands thou hast brought. 
Nectabanus. Haste he that will; thou hast not been in 
haste to obey my summons, nor can I walk fast enough to 
follow your long strides; you do not walk like a man, but 
bound like an ostrich, in the desert. 

[Sir Kenneth grabs Nectabanus and stowing him under 
his arm starts away on the run,] 

(curtain) 

ACT IV. 

Scene — Queen Berengari's tent with ladies in waiting in 
attendance. Time midnight. Nectabanus in tent. 
[Sir Kenneth standing close by tent, waiting.] 

Lady in Waiting. Nectabanus, thou shalt be made 
Ambassador to Prester John's court, to show them how 
wisely thou canst discharge thee of a mission. 

Another Lady in Waiting. If the princely Nectabanus 
be not over-jealous of his most transcendent bride and 
empress, let us send her to get rid of this insolent knight- 
errant. 

The Queen. But how shall we rid us of the spirit which 
Nectabanus hath raised, my maidens? 

Lady in Waiting. It were but justice, me thinks, that the 
Princess Genevra should dismiss by her courtesy him whom 
her husband's wisdom hath been able to entice hither. 

[Enter Lady Edith.] 

Lady Edith. Your majesty seems in a merry mood, 
though, methinks the hour of night prompts a sleepy one. 
I was well disposed bedward when I had your Majesty's 
commands to attend you. 

The Queen. I will not long delay you, cousin, from 
your repose though I fear you will sleep less soundly when I 
tell you your wager is lost. 

Lady Edith. Nay, Royal Madam, this surely is dwelling 
on a jest which has rather been worn out. If your Majesty 
have no other commands for me than to hear the jibes of 
your waiting- women, I must crave your permission to with- 
draw. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 37 

The Queen. Forgive me, but what is the great offense 
after all? A young knight has been wiled hither; has stolen 
or has been stolen from his post which no one will disturb 
in his absence, for the sake of a fair lady, for to do your 
champion justice, sweet one, the wisdom of Nectabanus 
could conjure him hither in no name but yours. 

Lady Edith. Great Heavens! your Majesty does not 
say so? Say you were but jesting with me, my royal mistress 
and forgive me that I could think it possible you could be 
in earnest? 

The Queen. The Lady Edith regrets the ring we have 
won of her. We will restore the pledge to you, only you 
must not grudge us a little triumph over the wisdom that 
has often been spread over us as a banner over a host. 

Lady Edith. A triumph! A triumph will be with the 
infidel when he hears that the Queen of England can make 
the reputation of her husband's kinswoman the subject of a 
light frolic. i 

The Queen. You are angry, fair cousin, at losing your 
favourite ring. 

Lady Edith. Madame, you know well that your Grace 
could not wish for anything of mine, but it becomes instantly 
yours. I would give a bushel of rubies ere name or ring of 
mine had been used to bring a brave man into a fault, and 
perhaps to disgrace and punishment. 

The Queen. Oh, it is for the safety of your brave knight 
that you fear? You rate our power too low when you speak 
of a life being lost for a frolic of ours. Oh, Lady Edith, 
others have influence on the iron breasts of warriors, as well 
as you, and believe me, I have interest enough with Richard 
to save this knight. 

Lady Edith. For the love of the blessed cross, beware 
what you do. You know not King Richard. For God's 
sake dismiss this gentleman if indeed you have lured him 
hither. [Falling on her knees before the quee7i.] 

The Queen. Arise cousin, arise, and be assured all will 
be better than you think. I tell thee, I will take all the blame 
on myself with King Richard in behalf of thy fair northern 
friend, thine acquaintance, I would say since thou ownest 
him not as a friend. We will send Nectabanus to dismiss 



38 THE TALISMAN Act IV 

this Knight of the Standard to his post. He is, I warrant, 
but lying perdu in some neighboring tent. 

Nectabanus. By the crown of lilies, your Majesty is 
mistaken; he is nearer at hand than you wot; he lieth esconed 
there behind that canvas partition. 

The Queen. And within hearing of each word we have 
said! Out, monster of folly and malignity! [Slaps Necta- 
banus.] [Exeunt Nectabanus.] 

The Queen. What can now be done? 

Lady Edith. We must see this gentleman, and place our- 
selves at his mercy. [Arising and starting toward partition^] 

The Queen. For Heaven's sake, forbear; consider, my 
apartment, our dress, the hour, my honour. 

[Lady Edith pidls down the partition disclosing Sir Kenneth.] 

Lady Edith. Hasten to thy post, valiant knight; thou hast 
been deceived in being trained hither. Ask no questions. 

Sir Kenneth. I need ask none. 

Lady Edith. Have you heard all? Gracious saint, 
then wherefore wait you here when each minute that passes 
is loaded with dishonour? 

Sir Kenneth. I have heard that I am dishonoured, lady, 
and have heard it from you. What reck I how soon punish- 
ment follows? I have but one petition to you and then I 
seek among the sabres of the infidel whether dishonour may 
not be washed out in blood. 

Lady Edith. Do not so, neither. Be wise, dally not 
here; all may yet be well if you will but use dispatch. 

Sir Kenneth. [Kneeling] 1 wait but for your forgiveness, 
for my presumption in believing that my poor services could 
have been required or valued by you. 

Lady Edith. I do forgive you. Oh, I have nothing to 
forgive. I have been the means of injuring you. But oh, 
begone. I will forgive — I will value you — that is, as I value 
every brave Crusader, if you will but begone. 

Sir Kenneth. Receive first, this precious yet fatal 
pledge. [Holding out ring to Lady Edith.] 

Lady Edith. Oh, no, no, keep it as a mark of my regard 
— my regret, I would say. Oh, begone, if not for your 
own sake, for mine. [Cry of hound. Sir Kenneth dashes cut.] 

(curtain) 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 39 

Sir Kenneth rushes to Mt. St. George, and finds hound 
wounded and banner gone; the broken staff sticking in 
the mound. [Enter El Hakim.] 

El Hakim. Adversity is like the period of the former 
and the latter rain, cold, comfortless, unfriendly to man and 
to animal. The poet hath said, the ox for the field, the 
camel for the desert. Were not the hand of the leech fitter 
than that of the soldier to cure wounds, though less able to 
inflict them? 

Sir Kenneth. This patient, Hakim, is beyond thy help 
and besides, he is by thy law an unclean animal. 

El Hakim. Where Allah hath deigned to bestow life 
and a sense of pain and pleasure it were sinful pride to re- 
fuse to prolong life or assuage pain. Let me examine this 
wounded animal? [Examining dog.] The animal may be 
cured if you will permit me to carry him to my tent. 

Sir Kenneth. Take him with you; I bestow him on you 
freely, if he recovers. For myself I will never again wind 
bugle or halloo to hound. Fare thee well Roswel. 

[El Hakim claps hands and two slaves rush in and carry 
dog away on litter!] 

El Hakim. It is written, that all creatures are fashioned 
for the service of man. 

Sir Kenneth. A dog who dies in discharging his duty 
is better than a man who survives the desertion of it. Leave 
me Hakim ; thou hast on this side of miracle the most wonder- 
ful science which man ever possessed, but the wounds of the 
spirit are beyond thy power. 

El Hakim. Not if the patient will explain his calamity 
and be guided by the physician. 

Sir Kenneth. Know, then, that last night the banner of 
England was displayed from this mound — I was an appointed 
guardian for it; morning is now breaking and there lies the 
broken banner-spear, the standard itself is lost and here I 
stand, a living man. 

El Hakim. How! Thy armour is whole; there is no 
blood on thy weapons and report speaks thee unlikely to 
return thus from fight? Thou hast been trained from thy 
post by the rosy cheeks and black eyes of those houris; for 
so hath man ever fallen, even since the davs of Sultan Adam. 



40 THE TALISMAN Act IV 

Sir Kenneth. And if it were so, physician, what remedy? 

El Hakim. Knowledge is the parent of power. Listen 
to me. Man is not a tree, bound to one spot. Thine own 
Christian writings command thee when persecuted in one 
city to flee to another. 

Sir Kenneth, And what does this concern me? 

El Hakim. Much. Even the sage flies before the 
tempest which he cannot control. Use thy speed therefore, 
and fly from the vengeance of Richard. 

Sir Kenneth. I might indeed hide my dishonour in a 
camp of infidel heathens where the very phrase is unknown. 
Does thy advice stretch so far as to recommend me to take 
the turban? Me thinks I want but apostacy to consummate 
my infamy. 

El Hakim. Blaspheme not, Nazarene; Saladin makes 
no converts to the law of the Prophet, save those on whom 
its precepts shall work conviction. 

Sir Kenneth. I would rather that my writhen features 
should blacken, as they are like to do in this evening's setting 
sun. 

El Hakim. Yet thou art not wise, Nazarene, to reject 
this fair offer; for I have power with the Saladin and can 
raise thee high in his grace. 

Sir Kenneth. I know not and care not. What avails 
it to me, when ere night I shall be gibbeted and dishonoured? 

El Hakim. Nay, I speak that it may not be so with thee, 
Thou art, then, wilfully determined not to fly? Remember 
thou stay'st to certain destruction. 

Sir Kenneth. Go to, Hakim; leave me to recollect my 
sins and reconcile myself to Heaven. 

El Hakim. I leave thee in thine obstinacy. 

[Exeunt El Hakim.] 
[Day-light. Sir Kenneth enters King Richard's tent.] 

De Vaux. Whence this bold intrusion, Sir Knight? 

King Richard. Hold De Vaux; Sir Kenneth cometh 
like a good soldier to render an account of his guard; to such 
the general's tent is ever accessible. Speak, Sir Scot, thou 
comest to tell me of a vigilant, safe, and honourable watch, 
dost thou not? The rustling of the folds of the banner of 
England were enough to guard it, even without the body of 
such a Knight as men hold thee. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 41 

Sir Kenneth. As men will hold me no more; my watch 
hath neither been vigilant, safe nor honourable. The ban- 
ner of England has been carried off. 

King Richard. And thou alive to tell it? Away! It 
cannot be! There is not even a scratch on thy face. Why 
dost thou stand thus mute? Speak the truth; it is ill jesting 
with a king, yet I will forgive thee if thou hast lied. 

Sir Kenneth. Lied, Sir King! But this also must be 
endured. I have spoken the truth. 

King Richard. By God and St. George. De Vaux, go 
view the spot. This fever has disturbed his brain. This 
cannot be. The man's courage is proof. It cannot be! 
Go speedily; or send, if thou wilt not go." 

[Enters Sir Henry Neville.] 

Sir Henry Neville. The banner is gone. The valiant 
knight who guarded it has been overpowered and most 
probably murdered; the banner-spear lies shattered near a 
pool of blood — but whom do I see here? 

King Richard. A traitor! A traitor whom thou shalt 
see die a traitor's death. [King Richard raises his battle-ax 
to strike Sir Kenneth, who stands with bowed head before him.] 
But there was blood, Neville, there was blood upon the place. 
Hark thee, Sir Scot, brave thou wert once, for I have seen 
thee fight. Say thou hast slain two of the thieves in defence 
of the standard — say but one — say thou hast struck but a 
good blow in defense of the standard and get thee out of 
the camp with thy life and thy infamy. 

Sir Kenneth. Thou hast called me a liar, my Lord 
King, and therein at least thou hast done me wrong. Know 
that no blood was shed in defence of the standard save that 
of a poor hound, which, more faithful than his master, de- 
fended the charge which he deserted. 

King Richard. Now, by St. George! [Hastily raising 
battle-ax to strike Sir Kenneth, when De Vaux interposes in 
Kenneth's behalf.] 

De Vaux. My Lord, this must not be. It is enough of 
folly for one night, to have entrusted your banner to a Scot; 
said I not they were ever fair and false? 

King Richard. Thou didst, De Vaux; thou wast right. 
I should have known him better. I should have remem- 



42 THE TALISMAN Act IV 

bered how the fox William deceived me touching this Cru- 
sade. 

Sir Kenneth. My Lord, William of Scotland never de- 
ceived; but circumstances prevented his bringing his forces. 

King Richard. Peace, shameless! Thou sulliest the 
name of a prince even by speaking it. And yet, De Vaux, 
to see the bearing of the man. Coward or traitor he must 
be, yet he abode the blow of Richard of England, as our 
arm had been raised to lay knighthood on his shoulder. 
Had he shown the slightest sign of fear; had but a joint 
trembled or an eyelid quivered, I had shattered his head 
like a crystal goblet. But I cannot strike where there is 
neither fear nor resistance. 

Sir Kenneth. My Lord — 

King Richard. Ha! thou hast found thy speech. Ask 
grace from heaven, but none from me, for England is dis- 
honoured through thy fault; and wert thou mine own and 
only brother, there is no pardon for thy fault. 

Sir Kenneth. I speak not to demand grace of mortal 
man, but whether I die on the instant, or half an hour hence, 
I beseech you Grace for one moment's opportunity to speak 
that to your royal person which highly concerns your fame 
as a Christian King. 

King Richard. Say on! 

Sir Kenneth. There is treason around you, King of 
England. 

King Richard. It may be well as thou sayest; I have 
here a pregnant example. 

Sir Kenneth. Treason that will injure thee more deeply 
than the loss of an hundred banners on a pitched field. 
My Lord, there is a scheme on foot to disgrace your royal 
lineage by bestowing the hand of the Lady Edith on the 
Saracen Soldan, and thereby purchase a peace most dis- 
honourable to Christendom, by an alliance- most shameful 
to England. 

King Richard. Silence! Infamous and audacious! By 
Heaven, I will have thy tongue torn out with hot pincers for 
daring to mention the name of a noble Christian damsel. 
Know, degenerate traitor, that I was already aware to what 
height thou hadst dared to raise thine eyes, and endured it, 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 43 

though it were insolence even when thou hadst cheated us 
into holding thee of some name and fame. But now, with 
lips blistered with the confession of thine own dishonour, 
that thou shouldst dare to name our noble kinswoman as 
one in whose fate thou hast part or interest! What is it to 
thee if she marry Saracen of Christian? What is it to thee 
if, in a camp where princes turn cowards by day and robbers 
by night, — where brave knights turn to paltry deserters and 
traitors, — what is it, I say, to thee or to any one, if I should 
please to ally myself to truth and to valour in the person of 
Saladin? 

Sir Kenneth. Little to me, indeed, to whom all the world 
will soon be as nothing; but were I now stretched on the 
rack, I tell thee, Sir King, that if thou dost in thought enter- 
tain the purpose of wedding thy kinswoman, the Lady Edith — 

King Richard. Name her not! And for an instant, 
think not of her! 

Sir Kenneth. Now, by the Cross on which I place my 
hopes, her name shall be the last word in my mouth, and 
her image the last thought in my mind. Try thy boasted 
strength on this bare brow and see if thou canst prevent my 
purpose. 

Enter attendant; also the Queen and Lady Edith follow- 
ing upon the stage. 

Attendant. The Queen, Your Majesty. 

King Richard. [To Sir Neville.] Detain her, detain 
her Neville; this is no sight for women. Away with him, 
De Vaux! Coop him up close and answer for his safe cus- 
tody with your life. And stay ; hark ye ! He shall die knight- 
like in his belt and spurs ; for if his treachery be as black as 
Hell, his boldness may match that of the Devil himself. 
Exeunt Sir Kenneth and De Vaux. Enter the Queen 
and Lady Edith. Also Hangman to receive orders 
from the King. 

King Richard. [To hangman.] Go, speed thy office 
quickly, sirrah. And hark thee, villian; mark me the small- 
est twitch of the features or wink of the eyelid ; I love to know 
how brave souls meet death. 

The Hangman. If he sees my blade aloft without shrink- 
ing, he is the first that ever did so. [Brandishing huge sword.] 



44 THE TALISMAN Act IV 

The Queen. Pardon me, my Lord. 

King Richard. What needs this, Berengaria? 

The Queen. Send that man away; his look kills me. 

[Pointing to the hangman.] 

The Hangman. Your Highness' pleasure touching the 
head? 

King Richard. Out with thee, dog; a Christian burial. 

[Exeunt hangman.] 

King Richard. And now, foolish wench, what wishest 
thou? What seeks the lady of my heart in her knight's 
pavilion, at this early and unwonted hour? 

The Queen. Pardon, my Lord. 

King Richard. Pardon! for what? 

The Queen. For entering thy royal presence too boldly 

King Richard. Thou too boldly? The sun might as 
well ask pardon because its rays entered the windows of 
some wretch's dungeon. 

The Queen. But thou art not well. 

King Richard. Ha! ha! ha! [Laughing] well enough to 
break a lance on the bold crest of that champion who shall 
refuse to acknowledge thee the fairest dame in Christendom. 

The Queen. Thou wilt not then refuse to me one boon, 
— only one — only a poor life? 

King Richard. Ha! proceed. [Scoivling.] 

The Queen. This unhappy Scottish knight. 

King Richard. Speak not of him, madam; his doom is 
fixed. 

The Queen. Nay, my Lord and love, 'tis but a silken 
banner neglected; I will give thee another broidered with 
my own hand and as rich as ever dallied with the wind. 
Every pearl I have shall go to bedeck it, and with every pearl 
I will drop a tear of thankfulness to my generous knight. 

King Richard. Thou know'st not what thou say'st. 
Pearls! Can all the pearls of the East atone for a speck 
upon England's honour? Go to, Madam, know your place, 
and your time and sphere. 

Lady Edith. My Lord, I crave you for justice rather 
than mercy, and to the cry of justice, the ears of a monarch 
should be open at every time, place and circumstance. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 45 

King Richard. Ha! our cousin Edith. 

Lady Edith. My Lord, this good knight whose blood 
thou art about to spill, hath done in his time service to Christ- 
endom. He hath fallen from his duty through a snare sent 
to him in the name of one — why should I not speak it — it 
was in my own — induced him for an instant to leave his 
post. And what knight in the Christian camp might not 
thus transgress at command of a maiden who, poor howso- 
ever in other qualities, hath yet the blood of Plantagenet 
in her veins. 

King Richard. Can this be Edith Plantagenet, or is it 
some lovesick woman who cares not for her fame in com- 
parison of the life of her paramour? Now, by King Henry's 
soul! Little hinders but I order thy minion's skull to be 
brought from the gibbet and fixed as a perpetual ornament 
by the crucifix in thy cell. 

Lady Edith. And if thou dost send it from the gibbet 
to be placed forever in my sight, I will say it is a relic of a 
good knight cruelly and unworthily done to death by one — 
by one who should have known better how to reward chiv- 
alry. Minion, call'st thou him [with increasing vehemence], 
he was indeed my lover, and a most true one. Work thy 
will on this worthy knight. Edith, for whom he dies, will 
know how to weep his memory; to me no one shall speak 
more of politic alliances, to be sanctioned with this poor 
hand. I could not, would not have been his bride living, 
but death unites the high and the low; I am henceforth the 
spouse of the grave. [Enter Carmelite Monk.] 

King Richard. Now, by both sword and sceptre, the 
worlds are leagued to drive me mad. Fools, women and 
monks cross me at every step. How comes he to live still? 

The Monk. My gracious liege, I entreated of the Lord 
of Gilsland to stay the execution until I had thrown myself 
at your royal 

King Richard. And he was wilful enough to grant thy 
request? It is a piece of his wonted obstinacy. And what 
is it thou hast to say? Speak, in the Devil's name? 

The Monk. My Lord, there is a weighty secret, but it 
rests under the seal of confession; I dare not tell or even 



46 THE TALISMAN Act IV 

whisper it, but I swear to thee by my holy order, if I might 
confide it to thee, it would utterly turn thee from thy bloody 
purpose concerning him. 

King Richard. Give me to know this secret, and I shall do 
what shall seem fitting in the matter. But I am no blind 
Bayard to take a leap in the dark under the stroke of a pair 
of priestly spurs. 

The Monk. [Throwing back his coivl.] For twenty years 
have I macerated this miserable body in the caverns of 
Engaddi, doing penance for a great crime. Think you I, 
who am dead to the world, would contrive a falsehood to 
endanger my own soul, or that I would betray the secrets 
of the confessional? 

King Richard. So thou art that hermit of whom men 
speak so much? Richard fears no hobgoblins. Thou and 
they may content yourselves; I will not put my neck into the 
loop of a Carmelite's girdle. And, for your envoy, he shall 
die the sooner because thou dost entreat for him. 

The Monk. Now, God be gracious to thee, Lord King; 
thou art setting that mischief on foot which thou wilt here- 
after wish thou hadst stopt though it had cost thee a limb. 
Rash, blinded man, beware ! 

King Richard. Away, away! The sun has risen on the 
dishonour of England, and it is not yet avenged. Ladies 
and priests, withdraw if ye would not hear orders which 

would displease you; for by St. George, I swear 

[Enter El Hakim] 

El Hakim. Swear not! [raising hand.] 

King Richard. Ha! My learned Hakim; come, I hope, 
to tax our generosity? 

El Hakim. I come to request instant speech with you. 

King Richard. Dearest Berengari, begone! Edith, go, 
if you are wise. 

[Exeunt the Queen and Edith.] 

The Monk. [As he passes out of the door of tent, turning 
back and raising hand.] Woe to him who rejects the counsel 
of the Church and betaketh himself to the foul divan of the 
infidel. King Richard, I do not yet depart from thy en- 
campment; the sword falls not, but it hangs by a hair. We 
shall meet again. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 47 

King Richard. Be it so, haughty priest. [To El Hakim] 
In what can I pleasure thee, my learned physician? 

El Hakim. [Bowing loic] Let thy servant speak one 
word and yet live; I would remind thee that thou owest, not 
to me but to the Intelligences whose benefits I dispense, 
a life. 

King Richard. And I warrant thou wouldst have an- 
other in requittal. 

El Hakim. Such is my humble prayer to the great 
Melech Ric; even the life of this good knight who is doomed 
to die, and but for such fault as was committed by Sultan 
Adam, the father of all men. 

King Richard. And thy wisdom might remind thee, 
Hakim, that iVdam died for it. [Getting up and facing tent 
with some emotion, and talking to himself.] Why, God-a- 
mercy, I knew what he desired just as soon as he entered 
the pavilion! Here is one poor life justly condemned to 
extinction, and 1, a King and a soldier who have slain thou- 
sands by my command, and scores with my own hand, am 
to have no power over it although the honour of my arms, 
of my house, of my very Queen hath been attainted by this 
culprit. By St. George! It makes me laugh. [Laughing] 
Ha! ha! ha! No sooner one goes than another appears. 
Wife, kinswoman, hermit, Hakim; each appears in the lists 
as soon as the other is defeated. Why, this is a single knight 
fighting against the whole melee of the tournament — ha ! ha ! 
ha! [laughing]. [To El Hakim.] Take the freedom of a 
thousand captives instead, and I will give the warrant in- 
stantly. This man's life can avail thee nothing, and it is 
forfeited. 

El Hakim. All our lives are forfeited, but the great 
Creditor is merciful and exacts not the pledge rigorously or 
untimely. 

King Richard. Thou canst show me no special interest 
thou hast to become intercessor betwixt me and the execu- 
tion of justice to which I am sworn, as crowned King? 

El Hakim. Thou art sworn to the dealing forth of mercy 
as well as justice; ask no further questions; it is enough 
that by sparing this man's life at my request you will deliver 
yourself. Great King, and thy servant from great danger. 



48 THE TALISMAN Act V 

King Richard. Are these terms to me, vile infidel? Art 
weary of thy life? [Angrily grasping battle-ax.] 

El Hakim. Strike! Thine own deed shall then paint 
thee more worthlesss than could my words, though each 
had an hornet's sting. 

King Richard. [Fiercely. Walking up and down tent 
with folded arms.] Thankless and ungenerous! As well be 
termed coward and infidel. Hakim, thou hast chosen thy 
boon, though I had rather thou hadst asked my crown jewels. 
Go! Take this Scot, therefore, to thy keeping; the provost 
will deliver him to thee on this warrant. [Writing and 
handing paper to El Hakim who passes out.] 
(curtain) 



ACT V. 

Scene: — King Richard's tent in camp of allies. 

King Richard. [Soliloquizing.] Strange pertinacity in 
this Hakim, and a wonderful chance to interfere between 
that audacious Scot and the chastisement he has so richly 
deserved. Yet, let him live! There is one brave man the 
more in the world. And now for the Austrian. Ho! is the 
Baron of Gilsland there without? 

[Enter De Vaux, followed by Hermit wrapped in goat- 
skin mantle.] 

King Richard. Sir Thomas of Gilsland, take trumpet 
and herald and go instantly to the tent of him whom they 
call Archduke of Austria and see that it be when the press 
of his knights and vassals be greatest around him; enter his 
presence with as little reverence as thou ma^st and impeach 
him on the part of Richard of England, that he hath this 
night, by his own hand or that of others, stolen from its 
staff the banner of England. Wherefore, say to him our 
pleasure that within an hour from the time of my speaking, 
he restore the said banner with all reverence, he himself 
and his principal barons waiting the whilst with heads un- 
covered and without their robes of honor. That, moreover, 
he pitch beside it on the one hand, his own banner reversed, 
as that which hath been dishonoured by theft and felony, 
and on the other, a lance bearing the head of him who was 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 49 

his nearest counsellor or assistant in this base injury. And 
say, that such our behests being punctually discharged we 
will forgive his other forfeits. 

De Vaux. And how if the Duke of Austria deny all 
accession to this act of wrong and of felony? 

King Richard. Tell him, were he backed with his two 
bravest champions will we prove it, on foot or on horse; in 
the desert or in the field; time, place and arms, all of his 
own choice. 

De Vaux. Bethink you of the peace of God and the 
Church, my liege 

King Richard. Bethink you how to execute my com- 
mands, my liege vassal. [Impatiently.] 

De Vaux turns to go, but is detained by a gesture from 
the Hermit. 

Hermit. In the name of God and the most Holy Father, 
I prohibit this defiance betwixt two Christian princes whose 
shoulders are signed by the blessed mark under which they 
swore brotherhood. Richard of England, recall the most 
unhallowed message thou hast given to that baron. Danger 
and death are nigh thee; the dagger is glancing at thy very 
throat. 

King Richard. Danger and death are playmates to 
Richard of England, and he hath braved too many swords 
to fear a dagger. 

Hermit. Danger and death are near [sinking voice] and 
after death, the judgment! 

King Richard. Good Father, you of the Church seem 
to me to presume somewhat upon the dignity of your holy 
character. Without challenging your right to take charge 
of our conscience, methinks you might leave us the charge 
of our own honour. 

Hermit. Presume! is it for me to presume, Richard of 
England, who am but the bell obeying the hand of the sex- 
ton? See, on my knees [throwing himself on his knees before 
the King], I implore thee to have mercy on Christendom, on 
England and on thyself. 

King Richard. Rise, rise; what danger awaits us, rev- 
erend father? And when stood the power of England so low 
that the noisy bluster of this new-made duke's displeasure 
should alarm her or her monarch? 



50 THE TALISMAN Act V 

Hermit. There sits an enemy in thy house of life, Lord 
King, Richard of England, malign at once to thy fame and 
thy prosperity, menacing thee with instant and bloody peril, 
and which, dost thou not yield thy proud will to the rule of 
thy duty will crush thee, even in thy pride. 

King Richard. Away; this is heathen science; Christians 
practice it not; wise men believe it not. Old man, thou 
dotest. 

Hermit. I dote not, Richard of England. I am the blind 
man who holds the torch to others, though it yields no light 
to himself. Ask me touching the weal of Christendom and 
of this Crusade, and I will speak with thee as the wisest 
counsellor on whose tongue persuasion ever sat. 

King Richard. I would not break the bands of unity 
asunder among the princes of the Crusade; but what atone- 
ment can they render me for the insult and injustice which 
I have sustained. 

Hermit. Even of that I am prepared and commissioned 
to speak by the council, which, meeting hastily at the sum- 
mons of Philip of France, have taken measures for that 
effect. 

King Richard. Strange, that others should treat of 
what is due to the wounded Majesty of England. 

Hermit. They are willing to anticipate your demands 
and consent that the banner of England be replaced upon 
St. George's Mount. 

King Richard. And Austria? 

Hermit. Austria will clear himself of the suspicion. 

King Richard. Will clear himself by the trial by combat? 

Hermit. Peace, Richard; oh, peace. For shame, if not 
for charity. Who shall praise or honour princes who insult 
and calumniate each other? The destroying angel hath 
stood as of old by the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jesubite, 
and the blade is drawn in his hand, by which at no distant 
date Richard, the lion-hearted, shall be as low as the mean- 
est peasant. 

King Richard. Must it then be so soon? Yet, even so 
be it. May my course be bright, if it be but brief. 

Hermit. Alas! Noble King, short and melancholy is the 
span that divides thee from the grave which yawns for thee; 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 51 

a grave in which thou shalt be laid without lineage to succeed 
thee, without the tears of a people exhausted by thy cease- 
less wars. 

King Richard. [To himself.] He raves. 

Hermit. Oh, heart of steel and hand of iron, upon whom 
example as well as advice is alike thrown away! Yet thou 
shalt be spared for a season, and in case it so be, thou shouldst 
turn and do that which is acceptable in the sight of heaven. 

[Exeunt Hermit.] 

King Richard. A mad priest. [To De Vaux]. After 
him, De Vaux, and see that he comes to no harm; a juggler 
hath more reverence amongst our varlets than a priest or a 
saint, and they may put some scorn upon him. 

[Exeunt De Vaux.] 
(curtain) 

Cries [from within.] "Lead us on gallant Lion's heart — 
none so worthy to lead where brave men follow. Lead us 
on to Jerusalen — to Jerusalem! It is the will of God; it 
is the will of God! Blessed is he who shall lend an arm to 
its fullfillment. Zion, Zion! War, war! Instant battle with 
the infidels! It is the will of God; it is the will of God! 
[Grand Master and Conrade walking slowly.] 

Grand Master. I ever told thee that Richard would 
burst through the flimsy wiles you spread for him, as would 
a lion through a spider's web. Thou seest he has but to 
speak, and his breath agitates these fickle fools as easily as 
the whirlwind catches scattered straws, and sweeps them 
together or disperses them at his pleasure. 

Marquis Conrade. When the blast has passed away the 
straws which it made dance to its pipe will settle to earth 
again. 

Grand Master. But knowest thou not, besides, that it 
seems if this new purpose of conquest shall be abandoned 
and pass away, but Richard may yet probably become King 
of Jerusalem by compact, and establish those terms of treaty 
with the Soldan, which thou thyself thoughtest him to spurn 
at. I will trust thy fine-spun measures no longer, but will 
try my own. Knows 't thou not the people whom the Sara- 
cens call Charegites? 



52 THE TALISMAN Act V 

Marquis Conrade. Surely; they are desperate and be- 
sotted enthusiasts, who devote their lives to the advancement 
of religion — somewhat like Templars — only they are never 
known to pause in the race of their calling. 

Grand Master. Jest not; know, that one of these men 
has set down, in his bloody vow, the name of the Island 
Emperor yonder, to be hewn down as the chief enemy of the 
Moslem faith. 

Marquis. A most judicious paynim. May Mahomet 
send him his paradise for his reward. 

Grand Master. He was taken in the camp by one of 
our squires, and, in private examination, frankly avowed his 
fixed and determined purpose to me. 

Marquis. Now the Heavens pardon them who prevented 
the purpose of this most judicious Charegite. 

Grand Master. He is my prisoner, but prisons have 
been broken, chains left unlocked, and captives have escaped. 
TVhen loose he resumes his quest, for it is the nature of this 
sort of bloodhound never to quit the slot of the prey he has 
once scented. 

Marquis. Say no more of it. I see thy policy, It is 
dreadful, but the emergency is imminent. 

Grand Master. I only told thee of it that thou mayst 
keep thyself on thy guard, for the uproar will be dreadful, 
and there is no knowing on whom the English may vent 
their rage. (curtain) 

[King Richard's tent. Enter equerry announcing the ar- 
rival of a messenger from Saladin.] 
King Richard. Admit him instantly. 

Enter Nubian slave, who, 'prostrating himself, and hav- 
ing touched the earth with his forehead, on bended knee 
presents letter to King Richard. 
King Richard. [Reads. To slave.] Art thou a pagan? 
[Slave indicates by motion that he is unable to talk.] 
King Richard. I understand thee; thou dost suffer 
under the infliction of God, not by the cruelty of man. Cans't 
thou clean an armour and belt, and buckle it in time of need? 
Thou art an apt and will be a useful knave; thou shalt wait 
in my chamber and on my person. If thou hast no tongue, 






Scene I THE TALISMAN 53 

thou canst carry no tales; neither provoke me by any unfit 
reply. Thou shalt commence thy office presently for I see 
a speck of rust darkening on that shield. 

Taking down shield and handing it to slave ivho proceeds 
to polish the same. Enter Lord Neville, with dis- 
patches. 

Lord Neville. [Handing packet to King Richard.] From 
England, my lord. 

King Richard. From England, our own England. 
[Gazing at packet.] Alas! they little think how hard their 
sovereign has been beset by sickness and sorrow, faint friends 
and forward enemies. Ha! this comes from no peaceful 
land; they too have their feuds. Neville, begone; I must 
peruse these tidings alone and at leisure. 

[Exeunt Neville.] 

Scene. King Richard's tent. Camp of the Allies. Sol- 
diers coming with Dervish in their midst, approaching King 
Richard's tent. 

A Voice. [To Dervish, pidling him about.] Dance, 
marabout, dance or we will scourge thee with our bow- 
strings. 

A Voice. Give him water, they always crave a drink after 
their merry-go-round. 

A Voice. Aha, water thou say'st; how wouldst like such 
beverage thyself after such a morrice-dancing? 

A Voice. The devil a water-drop he gets here. We will 
teach the old heathen to be a good Christian and drink wine. 

A Voice. Ay, ay, and in case he be restive, fetch thou 
Dick Hunter's horn that he drenches his mare with. 

A Voice. The horn, the horn, little difference between a 
Turk and a Turkish horse, and we will use him conforming. 

A Voice. By George, you will choke him; besides, it is 
a sin to throw away so much wine on a heathen dog. 

A Voice. I tell thee, man, this flagon will set his brains 
spinning. Choke? He will no more choke on that than 
Ben's black bitch on a pound of butter. 

A Voice. Be active a bit, man, wilt thou, and force open 
his teeth with the haft of thy dagger. [Prying open his 
mouth and pouring wine down.] Oop sey es; down it goes 
like lamb's wool. [Shouting and laughter.] 



54 THE TALISMAN Act V 

King Richard. [Stepping to the door of his tent.] How, 
knaves; no respect, no observance? 

Soldiers immediately salute King who turns back into his 
tent. Soldiers thereupon start to disperse, when one of 
them starts to pull the Dervish about. 
A Voice. [To soldier pulling at Dervish.] Leave him still, 
ye fool; leave him alone. 

Soldier's retire leaving Dervish upon the ground. Der- 
vish raises his head slightly, then commences to crawl 
toward the tent of King Richard. When within a few 
feet of the King's tent the Dervish springs to his feet 
and rushes forward and, with dagger uplifted strikes 
at King, who is standing with his back to him. Nu- 
bian slave catches the blow intended for King on his 
shield. Dervish strikes at Nubian, inflicting wound 
in the arm. King Richard turns, and picking up a 
camp stool strikes Dervish, killing him. Guards 
hurriedly surround tent. 
King Richard. [To guards^ Ye are careful warders; 
watchful sentinels ye are to leave me to do such work with 
my own hand. Here! cast that carrion out of camp; stick 
the head on a lance and turn the face to Mecca that he may 
the easier tell the foul imposter on whose inspiration he came 
hither how he sped on his errand. For thee, [turning to the 
Nubian] my swart and sable friend — But how is this! 
Thou art wounded; and with a poisoned weapon, I warrant. 
[To the soldiers]. Here, suck the poison from his wound, 
one of you. 

[Soldiers stand and gaze at King.] 
King Richard. How now, sirrahs, are you dainty- 
lipped, or do you fear death that you dally thus? 

A Voice. Not the death of a man, but methinks I would 
not die like a poisoned rat for the sake of a black chattel there. 

[Pointing at the Nubian.] 
A Voice. His Grace speaks of men sucking poison as 
if he said "Go, to, swallow a gooseberry!" 

King Richard. Nay, I never bade man do what I would 
not do myself. [Applying lip to arm of Nubian slave.] 

Lord Neville. Nay, nay, my Lord, thou shouldst not 
endanger thine own life for the sake of a slave. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 55 

A Voice. I'll eat the nigger, if necessary, rather than 
your Grace should do that again. 

King Richard. Peace; make no more of it. But take 
this Nubian to thy quarters, Neville. I have changed my 
mind touching him. Let him be well cared for. But hark 
in thine ear; see that he escapes thee not; there is more in 
him than seems. And you, ye beef -devouring, wine-s willing 
English mastiffs, get ye to your guard again and be sure you 
keep it more warily. 

Lord Neville. My Lord, think thou not these caitiffs 
should be punished for permitting so suspicious a character 
to approach the tent of your Majesty? 

King Richard. Speak not of it, Neville. Wouldst thou 
have me avenge a petty risk to myself more severely than the 
loss of England's banner? It has been stolen — stolen by a 
thief or delivered up by a traitor and no blood has been shed 
for it. [To the Nubian.] My sable friend, thou art an ex- 
pounder of mysteries, saith the illustrious Soldan; now would 
I give thine own weight in gold if thou couldst show me the 
thief who did mine honour that wrong. What say'st thou 
— ha? [Nubian slave bows.] 

King Richard. Wilt thou undertake to make discovery 
in this matter? [Slave nods assent.] But how shall we under- 
stand each other? Can'st thou write, good fellow? 

[Slave nods.] 

King Richard. Give him writing tools. [Slave writes.] 
[To Lord Neville.] Why, this fellow is a jewel, a black dia- 
mond, Neville. 

Lord Neville. So please you, my liege, if I might speak 
my poor mind, it were ill dealing in this ware. 

King Richard. Peace, Neville. [Takes paper slave has 
written and reads.] 

"To Richard, King of England: This from the humblest 
of his slaves. Mysteries are the sealed caskets of heaven. 
Were your slave stationed where the leaders of the Christian 
host were made to pass before him in order, doubt not that 
if he who did the injury whereof my King complains shall be 
among the number, he may be made manifest in his iniquity, 
though he be hidden under seven veils." 



56 THE TALISMAN Act V 

Now, by St. George ! thou hast spoken most opportunely. 
Neville, when we muster our troops tomorrow, the princes 
have agreed that, to expiate the affront offered to England 
in the theft of her banner, the leaders shall pass our new 
standard as it floats on St. George's Mount and salute it 
with formal regard. Believe me, the secret traitor will not 
dare to absent himself from an expurgation so solemn, lest 
his absence should be matter of suspicion. There will we 
place our sable man of counsel, and if his art can detect the 
villain, leave me to deal with him. 

Sir Henry Neville. My liege, beware what work you 
begin. Here is the concord of our holy league unexpectedly 
renewed; will you upon such suspicion as a negro slave can 
instill, tear open wounds so lately closed, or will you use the 
solemn procession adopted for the reparation of your honor 
and establishment of unanimity amongst the discording 
princes as the means of again finding out new cause of offence, 
or reviving ancient quarrels? 

King Richard. Neville, thy zeal makes thee presumptu- 
ous and unmannerly. Never did I promise to abstain from 
taking whatever means were most promising to discover the 
infamous author of the attack upon my honor. Ere I had 
done so, I would have renounced my kingdom, my life. 

Sir Nenry Neville. But what hope that this juggling 
slave of Saladin will not palter with thy Grace? 

King Richard. Peace, Neville; thou thinkest thyself 
mighty wise, and art but a fool. Mind my charge touching 
this fellow. There is more in him than thy Westmoreland 
wit can fathom. And thou [to the Nubian], swart and silent, 
prepare to perform the feat thou hast promised, and by the 
word of a King, thou shalt choose thine own recompense. 
Lo, he writes again. [Taking paper from slave and reading.] 
"The will of the King is the law of his slave, nor doth it 
become him to ask guerdon for discharge of his devoir." 
Guerdon and Devoir! These Eastern people will 
profit by the Crusaders; they are acquiring the language of 
chivalry! And see, Neville, how discomposed that fellow 
looks. Were it not for his colour, he would blush." 

Sir Henry Neville. The poor slave cannot endure your 
Grace's eyes. It is nothing more. 



Scene II THE TALISMAN 57 

King Richard. Well, this bold scroll proceeds to say that 
our trusty mute is charged with a message from Saladin to 
the Lady Edith Plantagenet, and craves means and oppor- 
tunity to deliver it. What thinkest thou of a request so 
modest? Ha, Neville? 

Sir Henry Neville. I cannot say how such freedom may 
relish with your Grace; but the lease of the messenger's 
neck would be a short one,who should carry such a request to 
Soldan on the part of your Majesty. 

King Richard. Nay, I thank heaven that I covet none 
of his sunburnt beauties; and for punishing this fellow for 
discharging his master's errand, and that, when he has just 
saved my life, methinks it were something too summary. 
I'll tell thee, Neville, a secret, for although our sable and 
mute minister be present, he cannot, thou knowest, tell it 
over again, even if he should chance to understand us. I 
tell thee, that for this fortnight past I have been under a 
strange spell, and I would I were disenchanted. There has 
no sooner any one done me good service, but lo you, he can- 
cels his interest in me by some deep injury; and, on the other 
hand, he who hath deserved death at my hands for some 
treachery or some insult, is sure to be the very person of all 
others who confers upon me some obligation that overbal- 
ances his demerits, and thus renders respite of his sentence 
a debt due from my honour. Thus, thou seest, I am deprived 
of the best part of my royal function, since I can neither 
punish men nor reward them. I will say nothing concerning 
the request of this our sable attendant, save that it is an 
unusually bold one. 

Scene II. 

Camp of the Allies. Mount of St. George. Queen and 
attendants on top of Mount of St. George. King Richard and 
retinue in review at foot of Mount. Nubian slave with hound 
watching ranks as they pass by. 

King Richard. [To Nubian.] Thy success in this enter- 
prise, my sable friend, I fear will not place thee high in the 
rank of wizards, or much augment thy merits towards our 
person. 



58 THE TALISMAN Act V 

Armies passing in review, and as Conrade of Montserrat 
passes, the hound springs upon him and bears him 
to the earth. 

King Richard. Thy hound hath pulled down the right 
quarry. Pluck off the dog lest he throttle him. 

Cries of "Cut the slave and his hound to pieces." 

[By attendants of the Marquis of Montserrat.] 

King Richard. He dies the death who injures the hound. 
He hath but done his duty. Stand forward, traitor. Conrade, 
Marquis of Montserrat, I impeach thee of treason. 

Cries of "Cut the slave and his hound to pieces." 

King Richard. Let no man lay hand upon them as he 
loves his life. Conrade, stand forth, if thou darest and deny 
the accusation which this mute animal hath brought against 
thee, of injury done him and foul scorn to England! 

Marquis of Montserrat. I never touched the banner. 

King Richard. Thy words betray thee, Conrade, for 
how dids't thou know save from conscious guilt that the 
question is touching the banner? 

Marquis of Montserrat. Dost thou impute to a prince 
and an ally a crime which after all was probably committed 
by some paltry felon for the sake of the gold thread? Wouldst 
thou now impeach a confederate on the credit of a dog? 

King Richard. 

[Casts his glove upon the ground in front of Conrade.] 

Earl of Salisbury. I protest against my royal brother 
periling his life which is the property of the people of England, 
in such a cause. Here [picking up glove and handing same 
to King], noble brother, receive back your glove. Mine shall 
lie in its stead. [Casting glove on ground.] 

Marquis of Montserrat. Princes and Nobles, I will 
not accept of King Richard's defiance, but touching his 
bastard brother, or any other who shall dare to stand god- 
father to this most false charge, I will defend my honour in 
the lists and prove whosoever impeaches it a false liar. 

King Richard. I have charged yonder Conrade as a thief. 
I still believe and charge him to be such, and when a day 
is appointed for the combat, I will find a champion to appear 
in support of my challenge; for thou, William, must not 
thrust thy long sword into this quarrel. 

(curtain) 






Scene III THE TALISMAN 59 

Scene III. 
King Richard's tent. King Richard and Lord Neville.] 
King Richard. Bring in the Nubian! [Exit Neville, 
returning with the Nubian, who, having prostrated himself, 
remains standing before the King.] Thou canst well of wood- 
craft, and hast started thy game and brought him to bay 
as ably as if Tristram himself had taught thee. But this is 
not all, he must be brought down at force. I myself would 
have like to have leveled my hunting-spear at him. There 
are, it seems, respects which prevent this. Thou art about 
to return to the camp of the Soldan, bearing a letter, requir- 
ing his courtesy to appoint neutral ground for the deed of 
chivalry, and, should it consist with his pleasure, to concur 
with us in witnessing it. Now, we think thou might'st find 
in that camp some cavalier, who, for the love of truth and 
honour, will do battle with this same traitor of Montserrat. 
[Nubian bends his head.] It is well I see thy desire to oblige 
me in this matter. And now, to another point. Have you 
yet seen Edith Plantagenet? Why, lo you there! the very 
sound of the name of a royal maiden, of beauty so surpassing 
as that of our lovely cousin, seems to have power enough to 
well nigh make the dumb speak. What miracle, then, might 
her eye work upon such a subject! I will make the experi- 
ment, friend slave. Thou shalt see this choice beauty of our 
court, and do the errand of this princely Soldan. Let me 
in one thing warn you, my sable envoy. Even if thou 
shouldst feel that the kindly influence of her whom thou art 
soon to behold should loosen the bonds of thy tongue, presently 
imprisoned, as the good Soldan expresses it, within the 
ivory walls of its castle, beware how thou changest thy taci- 
turn character, or speakest a word in her presence, even if 
thy powers of utterance were miraculously restored. Be- 
lieve me, that I should have thy tongue extracted by the roots, 
and its ivory palace, that is, I presume, its range of teeth, 
drawn out one by one. Wherefore, be wise and silent still. 
This behest we lay on thee as on a slave. Wert thou knight 
and gentleman, we would require thine honour in pledge of 
thy silence, which is one especial condition of our trust. 
[To Neville.] Go, Neville, with this slave to the tent of 
our royal consort, and say that it is our pleasure that he have 



60 THE TALISMAN Act V 

an audience — a private audience — of our cousin Edith. He 
is charged with a commission to her. Thou canst show him 
the way, also, in case he require thy guidance. And thou, too, 
friend Ethiop, what thou dost, do quickly, and return hither 
within the half hour! [Exit Neville and Nubian.] 

(curtain) 

Scene IV. 

Pavilion of Lady Edith. Lady Edith and her Maid. 
[Lord Neville presents message to Maid, who, after pre- 
senting it to Lady Edith, returns to Neville, who ushers 
in Nubian and retires, when maid, too, on signal from 
Lady Edith, retires. Nubian throws himself on one 
knee, with looks bent on ground and arms folded on 
his bosom, and Lady Edith, coming within a step of 
him, holds the light towards his face, then turns from 
him and places lamp so as to throw the shadow of his 
face in profile upon the cwiain.] 
Lady Edith. Is it you? Is it indeed you, brave Knight 
of the Leopard — Gallant Sir Kenneth of Scotland — is it 
indeed you — thus servilely disguised — thus surrounded by an 
hundred dangers? I see, I know, I have guessed right. 
I marked you from your first appearance near the platform 
on which I stood with the Queen. I knew, too, your valiant 
hound. She is no true lady, and unworthy the service of such 
a knight as thou art, from whom disguise of dress or hue 
could conceal a faithful servant. Speak, then, without fear, 
to Edith Plantagenet. She knows how to grace in adversity 
the good knight who served, honoured and did deeds of arms 
in her name, when fortune befriended him. Still silent! Is 
it fear or shame that keeps thee so? Fear should be unknown 
to thee; and for shame, let it remain with those who wronged 
thee. [Slave lays his finger upon his lips. Edith steps back 
somewhat displeased.] What! The Asiatic mute in very 
deed, as well as in attire? This I looked not for — or thou 
may'st scorn me, perhaps, for thus boldly acknowledged that 
I have needfully observed the homage thou hast paid me? 
Hold no unworthy thought of Edith on that account. She 
knows well the bounds which reserve and modesty prescribe 
to high-born maidens, and she knows when and how far 



Scene IV THE TALISMAN 61 

they should give place to gratitude — to a sincere desire that 
it were in her power to repay sendees and repair injuries, 
arising from the devotion which a good knight bore towards 
her. Why fold thy hands together and wring them with so 
much passion? Can it be that their cruelty has actually de- 
prived thee of speech? Thou shakest thy head. Be it a 
spell, be it obstinacy, I question thee no farther, but leave 
thee to thine errand after thine own fashion. I also can be 
mute. [Slave presents letter of Soldan, wrapped in silk and 
cloth of gold. She takes and surveys it carelessly, then lays 
aside and turns to him.] Not even a word to do thine errand 
to me? Begone! I have spoken enough, too much, to one 
who will not waste on me a word in reply. Begone ! and say, 
if I have wronged thee, I have done penance; for if I have 
been the unhappy means of dragging thee down from a 
station of honour, I have, in this interview, forgotten my own 
worth, and lowered myself in thy eyes and in my own. [Cov- 
ering her face with hands. Nubian rises, hut she waves him 
back.] Stand off! thou whose soul Heaven hath suited to its 
new station! Aught less dull and fearful than a slavish 
mute had spoken a word of gratitude, were it but to reconcile 
me to my own degradation. Why pause you? Begone! 
[Nubian points toward letter. She snatches it up.] I had 
forgotten. The dutiful slave waits an answer to his message. 
How is this? From the Soldan! [Reading letter; laughs in 
bitter anger.] Now, this passes imagination! No jongleur 
can show so deft a transmutation! His legerdemain 
can transform zechins and bezants into doits and marvedies; 
but can his art convert a Christian knight, ever esteemed 
among the bravest among the Holy Crusade, into the dust- 
kissing slave of a heathen Soldan — the bearer of a paynim's 
insolent proposals to a Christian maiden — nay, forgetting 
the laws of honourable chivalry, as well as of religion! But 
it avails not talking to the willing slave of a heathen hound. 
Tell your master when his scourge shall have found thee a 
tongue, that which thou hast seen me do. [Throwing letter 
on ground and placing her foot on it.] And say to him, that 
Edith Plantagenet scorns the homage of an unchristian 
pagan. [As she turns from him he kneels at her feet and at- 
tempts to grasp her robe and detain her.] Heardst thou not 



62 THE TALISMAN Act VI 

what I said, dull slave ? Tell the heathen Soldan, thy master, 
that I scorn his suit as much as I despise the prostration of a 
worthless renegade to religion and chivalry — to God and to 
his lady. Go! 

[Voice of Neville from without, who enters and conducts 

Um out l (CURTAIN) 

ACT VI. 

Scene:— The "Diamond of the Desert." Queen and female 
attendants. King Richard and retinue. The Soldan and 
retinue. King and Soldan dismount and embrace. 

The Soldan. The Melech Ric is welcome to Saladin as 
water to this desert. I trust he hath no distrust of this numer- 
ous array. Excepting the armed slaves of my household, 
those who surround you with eyes of wonder and of welcome, 
are, even the humblest of them, the privileged nobles of my 
thousand tribes; for who that could claim a title to be present 
would remain at home when such a Prince was to be seen 
as Richard, with the terrors of whose name even on the sands 
of Yemen, the nurse stills her child, and the free Arab sub- 
dues his restive steed? 

King Richard. And these are all nobles of Araby? 

The Soldan. They claim such rank, but though numer- 
ous they are within the conditions of the treaty and bear no 
arms but the sabre. Even the iron of their lances is left 
behind. 

De Vaux. I fear they have left them where they can 
soon be found. A most flourishing House of Peers, I confess, 
and would find Westminster Hall something too narrow 
for them. v 

King Richard. Hush, De Vaux, I command thee. 
Noble Saladin, suspicion and thou cannot exist on the same 
ground. Seest thou, I too have brought some champions 
with me, though armed, in breach of agreement, for bright 
eyes and fair features are weapons that cannot be left behind. 

The Soldan. [Making obeisance towards the ladies^] 

King Richard. Nay, they will not fear a closer encounter 
brother; wilt thou not ride toward them and the curtains 
will be presently withdrawn. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 63 

The Soldan. That may Allah prohibit, since not an 
Arab looks on who would not think it shame to the noble 
ladies to be seen with their faces uncovered. 

King Richard. Thou shalt see them, then, in private, 
brother. [De Vaux removes the riding cloak from the King's 
shoulders.] Where is my sage Hakim? I trust I shall see 
the learned leech; I have much to thank him for, and had 
brought some small presents. 

The Soldan. [Exchanging his turban for a Tartar cap] 
The sick man knoweth the physician by his step ; but when 
he is recovered he knoweth not even his face when he looks 
upon him. 

King Richard. A miracle, a miracle. That I should 
lose my learned Hakim merely by absence of his cap and 
robe, and that I should find him again in my royal brother 
Saladin ! 

The Soldan. Such is oft the fashion of the world; the 
tattered robe makes not always the dervish. 

King Richard. And it was through thy intercession that 
yonder Knight of the Leopard was saved from death, and 
by thy artifice that he revisited my camp in disguise? 

The Soldan. Even so; I was physician enough to know 
that unless the wounds of his bleeding honour were stanched, 
the days of his life must be few. His disguise was more 
easily penetrated than I had expected from the success of 
my own. 

King Richard. An accident let me first know that his 
skin was artificially discoloured; and that hint once taken, 
detection became easy, for his form and person are not to 
be forgotten. I confidently expect that he will do battle for 
me on the morrow. (cubtain) 

Scene: — "The Diamond of the Desert." Conrade of Mont- 
serrat's tent. Guard before door.] 

Grand Master. [To guards.] Do you not know me, ye 
knaves ? 

The Guard. We do, most valiant and reverend, but even 
you may not at present enter. The Marquis is about to 
confess himself. 

Grand Master. Confess himself ! and to whom, I pray thee ? 



64 THE TALISMAN Act VI 

The Guard. My master bid me be secret. 

Grand Master. [Entering tent.] What means thi3, 
Marquis? Up, for shame. If you must needs confess, am 
I not here? 

Marquis of Montserrat. I have confessed to you too 
often already. For God's sake, Grand Master, begone, and 
let me unfold my conscience to this holy man. 

Grand Master. In what is he holier than I am? [To 
Hermit of Engaddi.] Hermit, prophet, madman, say if thou 
darest in what thou excellest me? 

Hermit of Engaddi. Bold and bad man, know that I 
am like the latticed window, and the devine light passes 
through to avail others, though, alas, it helpeth not me. 
Thou art like the iron stanchions, which neither receive light 
themselves, nor communicate it to any one. 

Grand Master. Prate not to me, but depart from this 
tent! The Marquis shall not confess this morning, unless it 
be to me. 

Hermit of Engaddi. [To Marquis.] Is this your pleas- 
ure? For think not I will obey that man, if you continue to 
desire my assistance. 

Marquis of Montserrat. Alas, what would you have 
me say? Farewell for awhile; we will speak anon. 

Hermit of Engaddi. Oh, procrastination! Thou art a 
soul murderer! Unhappy man, farewell; not for a while, 
but until we shall both meet, no matter where. And for thee, 
[turning to Grand Master,] tremble! Tremble! 

[Exeunt Hermit.] 

Grand Master. Tremble! [Laughing scornfully.] I 
cannot, if I would. [To Marquis.] Come! To this gear 
hastily, since thou needs go through the foolery. Hark thee, 
I think I know most of thy frailties by heart, so we may 
omit the details and begin with the absolution. 

Marquis of Montserrat. Know what thou art thyself. 
It is blasphemous to speak of pardoning another. 

Grand Master. Thou art more scrupulous than ortho- 
dox. The absolution of the wicked priest is as effectual as 
if he were himself a saint, otherwise, God help the poor 
penitent. 



Scene I THE TALISMAN 65 

Marquis of Montserrat. No, I would rather die un- 
confessed than mock the sacrament. 

Grand Master. Come, rouse up your courage and speak 
not thus. In an hour's time thou shalt stand victorious 
in the lists, or confess thee in thy helmet, like a valiant 
knight. 

Marquis of Montserrat. Alas, it augurs ill for this 
affair. The strange discovery by the instinct of a dog; the 
revival of this Scottish knight who comes into the lists like a 
specter, [shudders] all betokens evil. 

Grand Master. Pshaw ! I have seen thee bend thy lance 
boldly against him in sport, and with equal chance of success. 
Think thou art in a tournament and who bears him better 
in a tilt-yard than thou? [Aside.] The craven will loose 
the day in pure faintness and cowardice of heart. I should 
have fought the combat myself. Would to God the Scot 
may strike him dead on the spot. 

(curtain) 

Scene: — Place of combat. Sunrise. The Prayer. 
[Knights mounting for the duel.] 

Grand Master. [To Conrade.] Coward and fool; recall 
thy senses, and do me this battle bravely, else by Heaven, 
shouldst thou escape him, thou escapest not me. 
[Soldan drops handkerchief as signal for duel.] 
(the duel) 

Sir Kenneth. [Standing over Conrade with uplifted 
stvord.] Avow thy gilt, traitor, Conrade of Montserrat. 

Marquis of Montserrat. I am guilty, but there are 
worse traitors in the camp than I. 

[Shouts and cries of Allah, Allah, drums, trumpets, 
clarions and cymbals.] 

King Richard. [Raising hand toward Sir Kenneth^ 
Brave Knight of the Leopard, thou hast shown that the 
Ethiopian may change his skin, and the Leopard his spots. 
Yet I have more to say to you when I have conducted you 
to the presence of the ladies, the best judges, the best re ward- 
ers of deeds of chivalry. And thou, too, princely Saladin, 
wilt also attend them. [Addressing the Soldan.] Hark! 
The timbrils announce that our Queen and her attendants 



SOS! U <!3S 
66 THE TALISMAN Act VI 

are leaving their gallery. [Enter Queen Berengari, Lady 
Edith and attendants.] [To the ladies, motioning toward Sir 
Kenneth.] Unarm him ! Undo his spurs ! Berengari, Queen 
though thou art, thou owest him what marks of favor thou 
canst give. [To Lady Edith.] Unlace his helmet. And 
what expect you from beneath this shell? [Motioning toward 
Sir Kenneth's helmet.] What think ye of him, gallants and 
beauties? Doth he represent the Ethiopian slave, or doth 
he present the face of an obscure and nameless adventurer? 
No, by my good sword. Here terminates his various dis- 
guises. He hath knelt before you unknown save by his 
worth; he arises equally distinguished by birth and by for- 
tune. The adventurous Knight Kenneth arises David, Earl 
of Huntington, Prince Royal of Scotland! Give me 
thy hand, fair cousin; and, Prince of Scotland, thine. 

LOFC, 



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